15.11.11 - Ireland’s Biggest Ever Tourism Initiative
“The Gathering”, is a year-long event planned for 2013 whereby people at home and abroad are invited to contribute to Ireland’s recovery, potentially attracting 325,000 additional visitors to the emerald isle and offering a major economic stimulus.
The Gathering will be the largest tourism programme ever staged throughout Ireland.
It will be a community led-programme, including a series of festivals and special interest spin-off events run throughout 2013. The Gathering aims to celebrate and showcase Irish arts, sports, food, learning, genealogy and family heritage, science and hospitality.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar T.D., proposed The Gathering at the Global Irish Economic Forum, stating that, “This is an invitation to the world to come and join in Ireland’s renewal. The Gathering will be a year-long programme of events, festivals and fun designed to bring record numbers of visitors.” “It will extend the Government’s commitment to revitalise the tourism industry, create jobs and promote economic recovery. We hope the initiative will bring 325,000 extra visitors to Ireland in 2013, boosting the tourism industry, creating jobs and injecting millions of euros into the economy. The Gathering will grow out of existing festivals and foster many more spin-off events. Everyone has a chance to get involved, whether at local level or among members of Ireland’s diaspora.”
“It’s an opportunity for communities, local authorities, sporting associations, county associations, individuals, families and businesses to do something positive to lift national morale and help the economy.”
For more information on The Gathering, please visit http://www.failteireland.ie/Information-Centre/Publications/Tourism-Matters/FI-Tourism-Matters-October-2011.
