DIRECTOR of Hospitality and Guest Experience at Ryder Cup Europe lan Evans has expressed a major concern for the 2027 edition of the famous tournament.
The 2027 biennial edition is set to take place at Limerick’s Adare Manor after this year’s event at Bethpage Black in New York, which has draw criticism for its ticker prices.
But Ian Evans has expressed serious concern over the escalating hotel rates in Limerick ahead of the Adare Manor team event between Europe and the USA.
The 2023 Ryder Cup generated an estimated €262 million in economic activity at Marco Simone in Rome.
Speaking at the Irish Hotels Federation conference in Killarney, Evans admitted that he anticipated a hike in room prices due to the Adare hosting the event.
He stated: “It has surprised us a little just how elevated some of the rates that we are getting.
“We will be focusing very heavily on fan experience. Our ticket prices will match ticket prices for major sporting events.
“They will not be the $750 that they are in New York next year, but they will match what you would expect to pay for a 10-hour event,” Mr Evans continued.
“But if you are driving a very high rate for your properties, you need to also have one eye on the guest experience as well.
“It’s a representation of Ireland, and it’s a representation of the event itself.”
But he says the current rates have surpassed expectations as he raised serious concern for hoteliers.
He emphasised the importance of aligning guest experiences with these premium charges, cautioning guests against benchmarking prices solely against previous Ryder Cup events in cities like Rome or New York, where unique factors influence pricing.
In response to the anticipated influx of visitors, local accommodations are already advertising rentals.
A newly built three-bedroom home in Castletroy, Limerick, is listed for an insane €28,000 during the event, while a five bedroom house in Tipperary is set at €60,000.
He went on to urge the Irish hospitality sector to ensure that the quality of service and overall guest experience justify the premium pricing associated with such high-profile events.
“Our message to hotels is if that’s the rate you think you can get, fine. But make sure the experience matches the rate.
“I know there is a lot of checking of historical rates, but I would caution against that.
“Rome had 75,000 hotel rooms in the city available in 2023 and drives high rates consistently throughout all 12 months of the year.
“It’s the same in New York. The Ryder Cup will be taking place at the same week as the UN General Assembly, so the rates in New York are already distorted.
The 2027 Ryder Cup is scheduled for September at Adare Manor in County Limerick will draw significant international attention.
The exclusive J.P. McManus Pro-Am course has been totally renovated for the tournament.
