MORE than 40,000 spectators are expected to visit Newport during the Wales Open which started today.

The event is set to bring a much-needed economic boost to Gwent after the blows of large numbers of job losses in the past year at plants such as Corus and Alcan, and the impending job losses at LG Philips Displays.

And local tourism chiefs say Newport is fast becoming an international sporting city thanks to major events like the Open.

It is the fourth year the five-day competition has been held in the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport.

The first round teed off today and there is a £1.5million prize fund up for grabs. The Open is one of the most prestigious events on the European Tour and will be broadcast on Sky Sports television to 140 countries world-wide.

A spokeswoman for Newport city council said: "This week we will welcome more that 40,000 spectators to Newport, which will help boost the local economy.

"The Open demonstrates that Newport has a deserved reputation as a truly international sporting city and we look forward to hosting the Ryder Cup 2010."

Sandra King, from the tourist board in Newport, said events like the Open were good news for the city.

She said: "I would say with anything big like this people start ringing us up six weeks before. But they also write in, fax and e-mail."

Ms King said once visitors have been to Newport they like to come back. She said: "They realise what's around the city and then they come back again.

"They ask for more information on what's going on and you get a spin-off, if you like."