Speaking at the Gala dinner of the annual Meitheal tourism workshop hosted by Fáilte Ireland this week, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, said the current run of high-profile visits to Ireland represents a unique opportunity for our tourism industry.
“Prince Albert of Monaco is currently visiting Ireland accompanied by his fiancée. In short succession we will welcome President Obama, Queen Elizabeth, and the Dalai Lama. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase Ireland and put us back on the world stage,” he said.
“With history literally being made in our time, we should use this opportunity to remind our traditional core markets in the US and the UK of this country’s unique qualities. But I believe we can go further. With the world’s media focusing on Ireland, even for only a brief period, we must extend our focus to new markets in Asia and the southern hemisphere.
“We must all make the most of this opportunity. That is why I want a clear message to go out from here tonight, from Ireland’s tourism industry, and from everyone who has come together for Meitheal: that Ireland welcomes the world.
“As a new Minister in a new Government, tourism will remain a priority. This Government sees tourism playing a major role in our economic recovery. The tourism tide appears to be starting to turn. Numbers coming through our ports and airports are stabilising and starting to grow again, as is occupancy in our hotels. Ireland as a destination continues to improve and become more attractive for overseas visitors,” said Mr Varadkar.
The Minister told the conference that, according to a recent report, Ireland was among the best value for hotels in Europe.
“Just a few weeks into my post as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have been encouraged by the positive signs starting to emerge throughout the sector,” said Minister Varadkar.
In further positive news for the sector, Failte Ireland published a report on Tuesday that claimed that 88 per cent of people who visited Ireland said they would definitely recommend Ireland to a friend.
The report, which is called the Visitor Attitudes Survey 2010, reported that one in five visitors plan to come back next year, and half plan to return in the next couple of years.
In response to the report, Fáilte Ireland CEO, Mr Shaun Quinn said, “Our visitor survey indicates that Ireland’s appeal as a holiday destination has not been adversely affected by our wider economic woes. In fact, in some respects, our appeal has improved.
“Thankfully, the warmth of our welcome, or the Fáilte factor, is perceived to have emerged unscathed from our tiger years and to be as appealing as ever before. Much as we might ignore it, our welcome and spontaneity remain central to our overall appeal,” said Mr Quinn.
“Next month, we will have the opportunity as a mature and confident nation to extend that warm welcome on the occasions of the visits to Ireland by Queen Elizabeth and President Obama. These events are so important right now as we strive to rebuild our image abroad and reach out to two key trading partners and their touring citizens.”
Mr Quinn said that with economies around the world recovering from recession, Ireland is in a good position to benefit, as the recession here has reduced prices.
In the report, the importance of Dublin for the tourism industry was emphasised, with two out of every three visitors spending part of their trip there. The Ring of Kerry received a visit from one in three visitors, and the next most popular destination was County Cork.
