Itwasannouncedtodaythat
Waleshassubmittedabid to the Professional Golfers' Association
(PGA) to host the 2009 Ryder Cup.The Welsh bid receives an important
boostwith the announcement of a new report this morning by the Welsh
Development Agency (WDA)suggestingthattheeventwillhavean
immense and immediate impact on the Welsh economy.
The report, which was co-authored with Cardiff University, claims
thatTheRyderCupeventwill bring almost £65 million into the
Welsh economy.Even though Wales would not host the RyderCupuntil
2009, the report suggests that an association with such a high profile
event will instantly impact Walesanditsreputationasahighly
desirablecountryinwhichtoinvest and visit for recreation and
sports.
The report highlights howpeople'sperceptionsofWaleshave
improvedinthepastwhenthecountryhas hosted a high profile
international event, such astheRugbyWorldCuportheCardiff
EuropeanSummit, with more people recognizing Wales as a good tourist
location,withahighqualityoflifeandexcellent sporting
facilities.
Based on today's predictions, Walescouldhopetoattractan
additional5,000golfingvisitors a year following the event.This
would add an extra £4 million to Welsh tourism revenue.
In addition, the improvement of Welshgolffacilitiesandthe
subsequentrise in golf tourism is estimated to be worth between £4
and £7 million a year, generating around 200 jobs annuallyinthe
tourism/service sector of the economy.
"We believe that the Ryder Cup will help us to place Wales at the
centeroftheglobal stage, raising its profile, reversing negative
images and offering the chance to showcase the country asavibrant,
forwardandout-wardlookingplacewhich is good for business and
sports recreation," said Graham Moore, Executive Director of Strategic
Policy, Welsh Development Agency.
It is estimated thattheeventwouldattractfortythousand
visitors, who could spend upto£40milliondirectlyon
accommodations, travel, entertainment and retail during the courseof
theRyderCupandindirect spending on such items as marketing and
course preparation during the build-up to the event.
"The projected figures are based onacombinationofprevious
experienceandreasoned judgement," said Graham Moore."We are very
keen to host this event in Wales, in fact we are passionateaboutit
-- this will bring far more than pure economic gain to our country."
In its 24-year history, the Welsh Development Agencyhashelped
morethan450 foreign-owned companies establish operations in Wales.
International investments in the region since 1983 have totalledmore
than£15billion, making Wales one of the fastest growing regions in
Europe.
Wales offers businesses a "best business climate" that includes a
skilled andproductiveworkforce,top-notchinfrastructure,low
corporate and personal taxes, an unparalleled commitment to technology
andinnovationandahighqualityof life.In addition, the WDA
providesnumerous support programs including site selection
assistance, employee training, research and sourcing assistance.
