25 February 2013 10:21 GMT

An independent study commissioned by the organisers of The Open Championship, The R&A, forecasts that this year’s event, to be staged at Muirfield (14-21 July 2013), will deliver a total economic benefit of £70m in the East Lothian and Edinburgh regional economy.

The headline figure includes a forecast economic impact of £25 million and an estimated destination marketing benefit of £45 million gained through global television exposure of the week-long event.

Researchers at the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University base their economic impact forecast on 170,000 spectator admissions and the spending patterns of players, the media, event staff, sponsors and organisers established in studies of the last three Championships.

Announcing the forecast to coincide with a tourism and retail customer care conference in Musselburgh, organised by East Lothian Council, The R&A’s Executive Director — Championships Johnnie Cole-Hamilton said:

“The Open Championship is staged at Muirfield to provide the best players in the world with a true test of golf and it is good to know that we also bring an important financial boost to the host economy.”

Welcoming The Open Championship economic impact forecast Cllr. John McMillan, East Lothian Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism said:

“Having The Open Championship in town is clearly beneficial for local people and businesses in East Lothian and we look forward to welcoming the many thousands of spectators destined to attend this year’s event.

“Already our East Lothian Food and Drink members are actively engaged in supply discussions with The R&A and local employment agencies, university and college authorities are gearing up to help with the recruitment of temporary staff”.

Scottish companies are demonstrating their enthusiasm to do business at Muirfield with the Official Open Championship Hospitality Programme reporting sales up 20 percent on last year at this time.