merrion street

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton travelled to London today for the start of a three day visit to promote Ireland as a leading tourist and business destination.

The Minister said today...

Over 2.7 million visitors travelled to Ireland from Britain in 2010 and we want to build on that for 2011 and beyond. Tourism Ireland is investing €17million in a campaign to restore the British tourism market to growth and the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland in 2011 will provide the opportunity to show the world how welcoming and vibrant Ireland is.

Over the course of her visit, Minister Burton’s engagements will include visits to the Best of Britain and Ireland Tourism Expo in Birmingham and the Greening of the London Eye. The Minister will also promote Ireland as a modern and dynamic destination for business and investment at a number of events.

Commenting on the importance of promoting Ireland abroad, Minister Burton said,

Irish companies have had continuous export growth for 20 months in a row and Ireland’s indigenous exports for 2010 were an estimated €13.7billion. The Programme for Government is clear that Ireland’s economic recovery must be export-led and it sets out a number of actions to support growth in exports and the development of new markets.

The Minister continued...

Britain continues to be Ireland’s largest trading partner and our most important export market. For Britain too, Ireland is a vital export market and a significant source and inward investment.