Tourism

New Paris Tourism Event

Pakie's Gathering Push

While David Forde was attempting to keep the Austraians at bay last night, legendary goalkeeper Pakie Bonner was in Scotland to promote 'The Gathering'

He even comandeered a rickshaw to deliver musicians Siobnán McArle and Aileeen Reid to a promotional event in Glasgow.

Seven tourism companies from the island of Ireland travelled to Scotland to join Tourism Ireland for a series of promotions . The various events brought together key Scottish travel trade, business contacts and members of the Diaspora.

Tourism Ireland aims to welcome 500,000 Scottish visitors to the island of Ireland this year. The organisation has a busy programme of promotions in place, highlighting the many compelling reasons to visit this year – in particular The Gathering Ireland – the ease of getting here by sea and air from Scotland, as well as great value offers from partners. Tourism Ireland is rolling out its new strategy in GB – ‘GB Path to Growth’ – targeting new groups that are receptive to the type of experience that Ireland can offer and raising awareness of the many things to see and do here, underpinned by a strong value message.

Rankin Closes Cayenne

Chef Paul Rankin has closed his flagship restaurant, Cayenne in Belfast, blaming the recent spate of street protests as a contributory factor.

Cayenne officially stopped trading on Sunday.

The chef said that changes in the Shaftsbury Square area of the city where the restaurant is located meant that substantial investment would be needed, but he decided to close up shop once his lease ran out.

Paul Rankin and his wife Jeanne won a Michelin star for their Roscoff restaurant which opened on the same site in 1989. He has since been involved

in cafe and restaurant ventures and his Rankin brand of food products sells throughout Ireland and the UK

Mueller is Top Postman

Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller has been appointed Chairman of An Post.

In a statement, Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte said the company will “benfit from the strategic leadership approach” that Mr Mueller has brought to Aer Lingus.

Mr Mueller had previously worked with Deutsche Post and DHL before taking up his role in Aer Lingus. He also serves on the board of Tourism Ireland.