Ireland's three home games in this year's Six Nations rugby championship will be worth more than €50m to the economy, Dublin Chamber of Commerce has revealed.

"We estimate that altogether, the Six Nations games alone will bring in revenue of around €50m this year, and this is purely going on basics like accommodation and not including other spending money," a spokes­man said. Although yesterday's match against Italy attracted thousands of away fans to the city, it will be the two upcoming games against Scotland and Wales which will really keep local businesses happy.

Peter McKenna, director of Croke Park stadium, estimates that each match brings in €20m. "This is very good news for us. Dublin is the European Sports Capital for 2010, and we will see significant gains to the Irish economy because of this. The government invested in sports initiatives such as aspects of Croke Park and they are really seeing the returns now.

"Each football and rugby game brings in almost €20m to Ireland each time they are at home, and it is a much-needed injection into the exchequer right now," saidMcKenna.

Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said the airline had seen a marked increase in traffic, but maintains the government's tourist tax has impacted on the amount of fans travelling to Ireland.

"As always, passengers have snapped up our guaranteed lowest fares to follow their national teams as they strive for Six Nations glory. The Irish government's €10 tourist tax has impacted on the number of supporters expected to travel to Ireland, but overall we are expecting increased traffic on all non-Irish Six Nations routes"

Pubs and hotels are also experiencing a boom in trade from the rugby games.

"The Italians are good travellers and the increase in numbers who visited Ireland this weekend was undoubtedly a boost to the pub trade and is a very welcome fillip as we recover from a very difficult Christmas and New Year trading period", said Val Hanley, president of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI).

"Looking forward, the Welsh and Scots will travel in their thousands and will boost trade in Dublin but also outside of the capital and our members will be hoping that the public will come out in force to enjoy the festival atmosphere that will be created in our pubs."