A number of Mayo hoteliers and tourism enterprises attended the launch of Tourism Ireland’s marketing plans to promote Ireland overseas in 2014 and beyond, at an event attended by Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar. The event took place in the Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin and was attended by Mayo tourism enterprises – including the Westport Woods Hotel, Ashford Castle and the Downhill House Hotel. Tourism Ireland aims to build on this year’s growth in overseas tourism and to welcome 25.6 million visitors to the island over the coming three years – contributing some €12.6 billion to the economies, north and south.
Commenting on the year ahead, Niall Gibbons, chief executive, Tourism Ireland. said: “Next year, we will place a major focus on highlighting the Wild Atlantic Way. We believe this exciting new tourism experience – showcasing the spectacular scenery and unique culture of the west coast – will have tremendous appeal in our markets around the world. We will promote key events, including Limerick City of Culture, the ‘Grande Partenza’ of the Giro d’Italia and the Croke Park Classic, encouraging prospective travellers to book now. We will also capitalise on important access developments – maximising the promotion of new, as well as existing, flights and sailings to continue to grow overseas tourism to Ireland.”
