Economic impact
Rome Ryder Cup generates record €262million in economic activity
Italy benefitted from a record boost in economic activity when Rome hosted the Ryder Cup
The 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome generated a record €262million in economic activity in Italy – an 11% increase compared to Paris 2018.
On hosting duties for the first time, Italy welcomed 271,000 people from 100 different countries to the biennial contest and enjoyed the greatest revenue boost from a Ryder Cup held in Europe.
When Paris set the stage five years earlier, it led to a €235million windfall for France.
Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University's Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) took into account spending by all spectators and other event attendees, plus all organisational spending, including by Federazione Italiana Golf (FIG) on the course and infrastructure upgrades, as well as other indirect or induced spending.
Just as at Le Golf National, Europe were triumphant once again at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club as captain Luke Donald led his team to a 16½ -11½ victory against the United States.
Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour Group, said: "The figures highlighted in this independent economic impact report demonstrate the major benefits the Ryder Cup delivers for a host country through spectator and visitor spending, as well as an enduring legacy.
"From a sporting and fan engagement perspective, Rome 2023 has already gone down as one of the greatest Ryder Cup's in history. We can now confidently conclude that the 2023 contest at Marco Simone also generated record financial rewards, providing a significant direct boost to the economy in Rome and in Italy."
“The 2023 contest at Marco Simone also generated record financial rewards”
Spectators staying in paid accommodation in Rome during Ryder Cup week generated in excess of 318,000 commercial bed-nights, which was worth €34million in revenue for the local accommodation sector
There was €72million in non-accommodation related expenditure by spectators
Around 19% of event-specific visitors to Rome decided to extend their visit prior to or following the event
Almost two-thirds of international spectators who visited for the event expressed a desire to return to Italy for leisure purposes in the next year, fuelled by their Ryder Cup experience
Franco Chimenti, President of the FIG, said the figures justified his belief that a Ryder Cup hosted in his country would break records.
"I have always said that the Italian Ryder Cup would be the Ryder Cup of records and now the numbers testify to this," he explained.
"The one that took place in Rome proved to be the most beautiful ever; an epic, memorable event. On the course, a united Europe won, and off it, a united Italy.
"We are happy to celebrate an economic success, the result of great teamwork between the Government and all the institutions involved, political and sporting.
"With the Ryder Cup, our country has shown great credibility even outside the national borders, leaving an important infrastructural legacy. Now that project, which began in 2015 and will only end in 2027, can represent a model for the best international sporting events. We are proud of it."
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