The first meeting of Tourism Ireland’s new board took place in Dublin. The board members took the opportunity to 

discuss the upcoming 2016 season and Tourism Ireland’s extensive promotional programme to highlight the island of Ireland around the world and continue to grow visitor numbers this year.

 

Pictured are Sheila Baird (left) welcoming Tourism Ireland board members and senior maagement team to Teelings Distillery, Dublin. Also pictured are (front) Brian Ambrose, chairman of Tourism Ireland with Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland; and (back, from left) board members Michael O’Sullivan, Trevor White, Joan O’Shaughnessy (Vice Chair) and David O’Brien; Shane Clarke and Mark Henry, Tourism Ireland; David Rodway and Stephen Kavanagh, board members; Vanessa Markey and Simon Gregory, Tourism Ireland. 

 

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “The first meeting of our new board afforded us the opportunity to discuss the extensive promotional programme which Tourism Ireland is rolling out around the world this year, to build on the success of 2015. Our aim is to make 2016 another record-breaking year for overseas tourism. Priority markets are Great Britain, the United States, Germany and France, but our promotions are also continuing in 19 other markets across the world – including Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as well as new and emerging markets like China and India.”

 

Niall Gibbons continued: “Our activity includes unveiling Ireland’s Ancient East, while continuing to place a major focus on the Wild Atlantic Way. We will promote Dublin and the Star Wars connection with Ireland and will also work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to highlight Ireland 2016 to people everywhere – showcasing major new attractions and the year’s signature events.”

 

Tourism Ireland’s new board includes:

-       Brian Ambrose OBE (Chairman), Belfast City Airport

 

-       Joan O’Shaughnessy, Aramark (Vice Chair)

 

-       Ciara Burke

 

-       Howard Hastings OBE, Hastings Hotels

 

-       Stephen Kavanagh, Aer Lingus

 

-       David Lyle, LyleBailie International Limited

 

-       David O’Brien, Ryanair

 

-       Michael O’Sullivan

 

-       Shaun Quinn, Fáilte Ireland

 

-       Derek Reaney, Ulster-Scots Agency

 

-       David Rodway

 

-       Trevor White, The Little Museum of Dublin