Thirteen tourism businesses from Co Westmeath are being promoted to international visitors on a brand new app for iPhones and android devices. The app, called ‘Gathering Gestures’, has been created by Tourism Ireland specifically for The Gathering Ireland 2013 and offers a wide variety of ‘gestures’ to ensure our international visitors get more from their holiday here and an extra special welcome in this year of The Gathering.
To date, numerous tourism organisations from around Ireland – including 13 enterprises in Westmeath – have registered their ‘gestures’ for the new app to demonstrate their appreciation to visitors for spending time with them during their holiday in Ireland. Examples of the ‘gestures’ being offered by local tourism businesses include complimentary tea or coffee and home baking on arrival at Marlinstown Court and Lough Owel Lodge near Mullingar, Shelmalier House near Athlone, and at Glasson Stone Lodge; as well as a special ‘Gathering’ souvenir gift for overseas guests at the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone.
The app is now live on the international app store, and is free for people around the world to download before they arrive here. Tourism Ireland is promoting the app to prospective visitors through its website, Ireland.com – reaching more than 11 million potential visitors around the globe. The app will also be highlighted on thegatheringireland.com
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Our ‘Gathering Gestures’ app is an ideal way to demonstrate our warm welcome and our appreciation of visitors from around the world. We have a busy programme of promotions under way throughout 2013, placing the spotlight on the many great festivals and events taking place in Westmeath and right around Ireland as part of The Gathering. Our message is that there has never been a better time to visit.”
For any other Westmeath tourism companies who wish to get involved and offer their own “Gathering Gesture”, more information can be found on http://gestures.thegatheringireland.com.
