Council tees up local hospitality sector in backing The Northern Ireland Open

This week’s Northern Ireland Open supported by The R&A marks the return of the European Challenge Tour which is benefiting from sponsorship from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery, visited the Dunsilly Hotel and Holiday Inn Express in Antrim where players from a host of different nations are based throughout the tournament which is taking place 3-6 September at Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort.

Mayor Cllr Jim Montgomery said;

“I am delighted to welcome international players from the NI Open to the Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey. The Dunsilly Hotel and Holiday Inn Express are both providing secure bubbles for the players.  The event will bring 700 bed nights to our Borough from players, support staff and TV Crews.  The sponsorship and promotion will stimulate and support the local hospitality sector who are now ‘Back’in Business’.

Gary Henry, Managing Director from Galgorm Castle commented;

“We are delighted that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council recognise the role of strategic events in supporting the recovery of our local economy. Golf and other sporting events are an excellent showcase to the world of the quality of our tourism offering and their economic impact spreads significantly beyond the immediate locality.”      

The Northern Ireland Open supported by The R&A will be played behind closed doors, while adhering to all Government and Tour safety protocols. European Tour Productions will have daily highlights programmes through www.europeantour.com and the tournament website www.niopen.golf. Tournament highlights will also be shown on Sky Sports with daily updates on local TV networks. For live scoring during tournament week, visit www.europeantour.com

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are encouraging businesses to get involved in a ‘Back in Business’ Campaign, aimed at helping local businesses bounce back from COVID-19.

Further information on how businesses and residents can register can be found at the following link: www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/backinbusiness