Spontaneous, Engaging & Fun
Go where Ireland takes you!
Interview with Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland
Tourism Ireland, formed after the Good Friday
Agreement, is the body responsible for the
international promotion of the tourism industry for
the whole island of Ireland.
Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, Niall Gibbons,
finds himself operating in a tough international
environment, but that certainly has not dampened
his enthusiasm for conveying to would-be tourists
the charms that this little island holds for those who
come here.
“The thing about Ireland as a place to visit, is that
it can’t be defined merely as one thing or another.
As a people, our spontaneity, our engaging nature
and the fun that can be had here, means that each
and every visitor to our shores can experience our
island in their own unique way. That is why we say
“go where Ireland takes you.” When you come to
Ireland, you can go off the beaten track and create
your own individual experience”, explains the chief
executive.
So, as a destination for the discerning tourist, does
Ireland stand up to the lofty expectations that
may have been cultivated by idyllic images of the
Emerald Isle?
“Our research on this is very strong and the
response is overwhelmingly positive. In excess of
90% of the visitors to Ireland enjoyed their trip and
would recommend it to a friend. That’s a very high
percentage and it is one that has remained consistent
over a number of years. People seem to connect with
the Irish and the relaxed pace of life that we have
here. We have a reputation as a friendly nation and
I think that people are not disappointed when they
come here.”