merrion street

Minister of State Michael Ring today welcomed news of President Obama's visit and the positive effect it will have on Irish tourism.

Speaking today, the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport said...

As the Taoiseach said, this visit by President Obama will be another great day for Ireland.  Coming so soon after the visit by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Ireland will have a golden opportunity to demonstrate its welcome to millions of potential visitors worldwide

I know that the tourism agencies will be pulling out all the stops to make the most of these visits to deliver a major boost for Irish tourism in 2011 and beyond. Not only are Queen Elizabeth and President Obama the Heads of State of our two most significant overseas tourism markets, they are figures who attract coverage from across the globe, in every marketplace.

The Minister of State added...

Tourism Ireland, the all–island body which promotes the island of Ireland as a tourist destination overseas, is already working hard to make the most of the Queen's visit to show Ireland at its best to the world as well as to potential visitors from Great Britain. I am sure that they are already moving to bring more on board for the President's visit, particularly focusing on the opportunity to bring Ireland's attractions to potential US visitors. Fáilte Ireland, which supports the tourism industry in Ireland, will be working closely with Tourism Ireland to make sure that our official visitors - and those who travel with them - experience the very best that Ireland has to offer