subject: Newport Hotels benefit (but don't expoit) Ryder Cup event [print this page] Newport Hotels benefit (but don't expoit) Ryder Cup event
Activ Newport has conducted a survey on several Hotels in Newport as well as local B&B's and Guesthouses.
The aim of the survey was to provide data for an article which summarised the impact of the Autumns Ryder Cup for Newport's hospitalilty industry and I have to say, that results are extreemely pleasing!
For many Newportonians, the last few years has consisted of endless Council announcements, adverts and Intiatives, non-stop road works and construction (or de-construction) projects and talk upon talk upon talk of this Golf competition that would supposedly be the savour of the City and bring with it a shower of economic prosperity.
Although the intitial euphoria of the event led to a dramatic increase in domestic homes being put up for obscene rental amounts, it was always hoped that decent, local hoteliers and B&B runners, would see a welcomed upshot in takings after the struggle of the recession which had hit small, local businesses hardist between 2007 and 2010.
Now that we're entering the final lap of the build-up and in the midst of a series of community events in the schedule of the Newport Festival, there's a real sense of optimism and a spirit that was always intended, and indeed hoped for by organisers, stakeholders and the public at large.
The regeneration work of the City is starting to take shape; The University Campus is soon to be finished and will be a marvelous arcitetural example for the area. There's light at the end of the tunnel with the roadworks that have blighted our journeys since what seems like eternity and is it just me, or is that 'Hamburger' roundabout at the Coldra, which was once a ridiculed piece of engineering, starting to feel like a convenient feature?
Even the sporting teams are showing signs of optimism with Newport County leading the way in sporting excellence for the region.
I think all in, 2010 is shaping up to be a rather good year for Newport, that even the most cynical of character would struggle to completely condemn. (Although Im sure they'll still be sending their begruntled opinions to the Argus come October 1st!)
So back to my original point; The impact of the Ryder Cup for Hotels, Guesthouses and B&Bs in Newport.
Ive spoken to a good selection of accomodation types in the area, incuding the bigger, chain providers (won't name names, but you know who they are) as well as local, small-ran lodges, guesthouses and B&B's. Guess What? The results were unanimously favourable with every single one quoting a marked increase in interest since day one. What was more pleasing, was that although they had all managed to take advantage of a slight premium in tariff for dates around the Ryder Cup; the locally ran, smaller enterprises had all kept their integrity, and not exploited the event to make a fast-buck but instead, had stayed true to their, so called, 'Bread and Butter' custom; offering them priorities and discounted rates over the hectic, Ryder Cup period. This reflected the true spirit of local hospitality providers and the ability to put regular and loyal interests first.
A number of Hotels and Inn owners I spoke to were even able to take advantage of the entourage element that such a Global event brings; giving good deals to corporate bookings and large groups of employees and those involved in the construction and general organisation in and around the Celtic Manor resort in the weeks and months leading up to the event.
I think its safe to say that Newport hosting this years Ryder Cup will not make all local businesses millionnaires over-night, however, it has certainly not done them any harm so far and one hopes that although the event only lasts a weekend, the publicity and exposure that Newport will recieve will leave a lasting impression and be beneficial to the local constituency for a long time after the Caddies and Cameras have gone
