Six Nations’ Economic Boost

This weekend’s RBS Six Nations clash between Ireland and England will generate substantial local economic activity in and around Dublin; as much as €25 million if forecasts from the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, backed up by a detailed survey undertaken in 2010 by the UCD Smurfit Business School are to be taken at face value.
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[ismember]The Dublin Chamber figures suggest that the two internationals this year, against England and four weeks later against France will generate more than €30m through attracting 16,000 overseas visitors each.
The Chamber does not break down how its overall figure is arrived at but this was done three years ago by the Smurfit Business School who calculated that overseas match going visitors spent a total of €882.25, non match going visitors who accompanied them or just travelled to be part of the occasion spent even more at a level of €933.83 and home supporters, travelling from across the country would add an extra €299.21 a head.
The main impact is in the obvious areas of food and drink, which takes up around sixty per cent of the spend; with accommodation and transport splitting the lions share of the balance.
“Sports tourism has become big business for the tourism sector and international events such as these give a boost to the national economy,” said Gina Quin, CEO of the Dublin Chamber.  “Dublin’s hospitality sector in particular relies on major events, from the Six Nations and Heineken Cup, to international concerts and festivals.”
Global estimates show that sports tourism accounts for roughly 10% of the international tourism market, which is reported at €440 billion. In Ireland, as part of The Gathering 2013, sporting events represent 19% of the planned ‘Gatherings’.
The impact is felt on the jobs front as well with the international weekends contributing to an estimated 800 full-time jobs and a further 1,700 part-time jobs on a match weekend.[/ismember]

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