According to Ireland’s National Tourism Development Authority, Failte Ireland and the so called Gathering have seen a big boost from St. Patrick’s Day tourism.
Reporting noticeable increases in Dublin hotel bookings, Fáilte Ireland says most of the hotels are full and busy up until this Friday the 22nd. Pre and post event traffic, according to their press, have pushed occupancy rates to 100% for the first time in years. US and domestic visits are on the rise.
Shaun Quinn, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, offered this comment:
“This St Patrick’s day bounce bodes well for our expectations for The Gathering this year and hopefully will be start of a pattern this season. With an enhanced St Patrick’s festival, this was our biggest March tourism push to date and the performance of hotels in the city really confirms that events do drive business in Dublin. Despite the downturn, Irish hotels are still managing the trick of providing good value with impressive quality and it is no wonder that so many of them fared well over the weekend. The level of overseas business in the capital over the last few days is very encouraging. It is imperative now that everybody with a stake in The Gathering or tourism, keeps their eye on the prize and helps to drive this type of performance throughout the year.”
Readers can learn more about this latest boost for Ireland tourism by following the links or by connecting with Failte Ireland via Twitter at: @Fáilte_Ireland. You an also connect directly by contacting their PR:
Louise Tolerton
Press Officer
Tel: 01 8847 135 / 086 6086 578
Email:louise.tolerton(at)failteireland.ie