With one of the most afflicted EU economies due to the worldwide recession coupled with the most expensive bank bailout in history, it’s well known that Ireland has had plenty of press attention in recent times due to the poor state of its economy.
However, hope is on the horizon for a very timely boost in overseas tourism with the timely visits to Ireland by three major heads of state in April and May of this year.
Currently, Prince Albert of the principality of Monaco and his fiancée are on an official state visit to Ireland, 50 years after his mother Grace Kelly and father Prince Rainier made an official visit. In May, during the same week the international media will go into overdrive when Queen Elizabeth II visits Ireland followed by a visit by US President Obama who has announced that the purpose of his visit to the Emerald Isle is to the trace the roots of his family, the Kearneys in the South Offaly village of Moneygall.
The focus of the media will be not only on the symbolic significance of these visits to the Irish people, but will also focus on the beautiful attractions and scenery just waiting to be explored in Ireland, and the warmth and friendliness of the Irish people.
The Queen of England will visit Ireland from May 17-20, the first visit to Ireland by the head of the Royal Family since 1911. President Obama is expected to visit Ireland in the coming days after that.
The visit of the head of the Royal Family shows that Ireland’s relationship with the UK has never been more closer, nor more important. The common bonds of trade, growth and employment are so critical in these harsh economic times to both countries. It is hoped that the Queen will visit both Cork and Killarney during her visit.
Industry experts are hopeful the visit will provide a much needed boost for Irish tourism. Ireland will never have a better opportunity to showcase its beauty and afford a welcome to millions of potential vistors worldwide. Not only are Queen Elizabeth and President Obama the Heads of State of our two most important tourism markets overseas, they are people who attract extensive coverage from all over the world, and the timing is most welcome.
The UK has always been Ireland’s strongest non domestic market, and whilst US visitors have been dropping in recent years, 2010 saw a strong improvement, with the final quarter showing number of visits from North America up by 13.9%.
Ireland now represents great value for tourists, with prices for hotels in Ireland down 4% on 2009 and capital city Dublin faring even better, and is possibly the best value city in the whole euro area. Industry experts have rated Dublin as a wonderful destination for a bargain break, with prices nearly as low as Eastern European cities. For example a hotel room on average costs little over €70 in Dublin city centre.
What do you think of the state visits to Ireland? Have they provided a timely boost for Irish tourism? Where do you think the state visits will visit? Please let us know your Ireland travel experiences in the comments box below. Thank You.
