Tourism

New Paris Tourism Event

US Pitch Blitz

Up to 100 sales pitches for Ireland were made in North America this month as part of a comprehensive programme of sales activity organised under our Sales Connect Programme.

Departing with our Client Services Teams, delegations of tourism businesses from the West, South West and South East of Ireland left for Chicago, Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Canada on sales missions aimed at driving more business to Ireland by promoting the many attractions in Ireland and the new transatlantic air services and increased capacities now available.

These trips were a unique opportunity to sell Ireland to those reiterating the ease of access with new routes arriving directly into Ireland and showcasing the wealth of attractions available in Ireland.

Titanic Crystal Replicas for Cobh

As Cobh prepares to mark the anniversary of the RMS Titanic visit to Cork on 11 April , a collection of crystal bowls, in the likeness of those on board the l

uxury liner, will be cut by master craftsmen in Cobh.

The Titanic Experience , Cobh’s permanent visitor attraction in Cork, has commissioned the replica crystal and it will be handcut inhouse in Cobh by Tregan Craft Centre master cutter, Alex Davies. The limited edition pieces will be available for sale at Tregan Craft Centre during April.

“Titanic was known for its luxury and indeed there were over 1,500 crystal pieces on board the liner for its tragic maiden voyage. We know a great deal about the crystal and ware as some key pieces were discovered from the debris field. We felt it would be appropriate to mark this year’s anniversary of the Titanic by commissioning the beautiful crystal pieces.’ Said Gillen Joyce. ‘The Tregan Craft Centre, which adjoins the White Star Line building, will also offer demonstrations of crystal glass cutting during the commemorative week here in Cobh”, he added.

Following the worldwide commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic last year, the Project Cobh initiative will embrace the connection between Cobh and the Titanic. A number of events and activities have been scheduled from 5 to 15 April including ceili nights, themed food tastings, lectures and a laying of the wreath at the Titanic Anchorage near Roches Point.

Modest Tourism Recovery Continues

The modest return to growth in Irish tourism continued between December 2012 and February 2013 according to the latest CSO figures.

Overseas visitor numbers during the period grew by 2.6% compaared with the equivalent period a year ago, but the decline in the GB market continued.

Trips to Ireland were up by 2.6 % - 1,176,100 overseas visits; Mainland Europe was up by 5.7 % (393,400 visits) with the Nordic countries up over 30%; North America was up by 9.9 % (141,600 visits); Britain was down by 2.4 % (563,500 visits); Other (i.e. long-haul) markets were up by 15.3% increase (77,700 visits).

Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said:“I am pleased to see growth of +2.6% for the three-month period December 2012 to February 2013. It’s a positive start to 2013, as we roll out our promotional programme around the world. I particularly welcome the growth of +10% from North America for December 2012 to February 2013. This year, we believe that North America holds the key to tourism growth. 2012 was one of the strongest years for visitors from the US to Ireland (after 2007) and 2013 could be the best year ever – when we hope to welcome over one million American visitors, spending about US$1 billion. A critical factor which will underpin this growth is the significant increase – about 26% – in the number of airline seats between the US and Ireland for the peak season (June to August). The CSO figures also show a positive performance from Mainland Europe, with growth of almost +6% for three-month period”.