The good work done at stopovers during last year’s Volvo Ocean Race has paid dividends for the west in 2010, according to Tourism Ireland which has set an ambitious target to grow visitor numbers by three per cent.
Speaking ahead of a roadshow held at The Ardilaun hotel yesterday, Mark Henry, central marketing director with Tourism Ireland, said that events on an international scale such as the Volvo Ocean Race have proven to have a lasting legacy.
“There was a lot of good work done last year and we’re still seeing a spin off. At each of the stopovers last year Tourism Ireland built up interest in Ireland by organising events for journalists. People that visited events such as the Boston stopover were told about Ireland and what it has to offer. This paid dividends to the west for 2010. Any event at all on an international scale is a real plus. We’re committed to making that effort again this year.”
The roadshow was organised by Fáilte Ireland, and representatives from Tourism Ireland were invited to discuss their promotional activities abroad and to advise members of the tourism industry in Galway how best to get involved and promote their product.
According to Mr Henry Tourism Ireland is “optimistic” that the industry can be turned around this year but that it is critical for local tourism sectors to work together to provide value for money and add to their products.
