Hamilton’s local economy ready for a boost
Hamilton’s local economy is set for a massive boost because of the staging of the RBC Canadian Open, a high profile golf event that attracts leading golf players, such as Ernie Els, from all over the world.
The local tourism industry as well as the service industry will be the largest beneficiaries of the huge economic activity during the tournament week.
“This will be the largest event coming into Hamilton,” said Sharon Murphy, sport tourism coordinator for Tourism Hamilton.
The tournament will also create different employment opportunities for people related to the services industry, as people can opt to establish different outlets in food, entertainment, cultural and any other related industry.
Apart from that, the hospitality services are one of the biggest beneficiaries of the economic boost in the area. A rough estimate says that the people related with the accommodation industry will earn a total of $525,000.
According to Leah Higens, Executive Director of the Ancaster BIA, people are getting ready to make the maximum out of the four days of the third staging of the event in Hamilton.
“Next week we’ll notice an increase (of revenue) of about 10 per cent, minimum,” said Joe Mercanti, president of Hotel C. “And 10 to 20 per cent increase in occupancy, which would obviously boost our sales as well”.
Hotel C by Carmen’s is one of the prestigious hotels in the area and booking for upcoming Thursday and Friday is already closed, as the advance booking started two months ago.
In 2006, Hamilton made $17.9 during the tournament week. According to an estimate, around 100,000 tourists from all over the United States and Canada are expected to visit the city this week. As a result, the local economy will get a boost by $25-million.
“I think when you host a prestigious event like this, it’s going to be an economic generator for our community,” said Susan Monarch, the acting manager of Tourism Hamilton.
In addition to all these temporary benefits, the tournament will also help promote the port city credentials for the future investments.
The only need is to portray a good image of the city during the tournament and provide the best services to the guests coming from all over the world to enjoy one of the prestigious PGA Tour events.
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