Ireland positive to further tourism growth through the Arabian Travel Market

With Etihad Airways now operating daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Dublin, the possibilities to grow tourism from the region to the Emerald Isle are endless.

The first quarter of 2008 welcomed the inaugural Irish Festival in Dubai aimed at promoting the diverse and rich culture of Ireland through its music, dance, sports and other activities. The week-long festival was a resounding success and plans are already in progress for next year's festival which promises to wow both Dubai and Abu Dhabi this time.

In February 2008, Tourism Ireland hosted its first Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates. Four Irish trade partners, Adams and Butler, Good Food Ireland, Dublin Tourism and The Irish National Stud visited the country to meet with travel agents from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah and Dubai to promote Ireland as a destination and their products.

As well as ATM, Tourism Ireland GCC has exhibited at the various other travel and trade shows in the country in 2008 such as GIBTM in Abu Dhabi and the Bride Show in Dubai. It was Ireland's first time to exhibit at GIBTM, and Advantage ICO, a leading Irish Incentives, Conferences and Events Company partnered with Tourism Ireland in launching Ireland as a MICE destination. At the Bride Show Dubai, the aim was to promote the island of Ireland as an ideal honeymoon destination and partnering with Visit Britain, Virgin Atlantic and Luxury Vacations Europe, a lucky bride-to-be won a fabulous honeymoon package to Ireland and the UK.

Paul O'Toole, CEO of Tourism Ireland, visited the UAE in mid April to meet with the team locally and discuss future plans. He comments:

'I am very pleased with the progess we are making, there is an awakening of awareness of Ireland as a businessand leisuredestination for the expatriate and local Arab market alike. Ireland has a unique product offering fo this market, it naturally beautiful scenery, renowned friendliness and culture, and attractive sporting activities and festivals. We have a long term view of this market and are committed to attracting and retaining increasing numbers of visitors from the GCC.'

Recent statistics show an increase in visa applications to Ireland from the Middle East, and Tourism Ireland is positive that this increase will continue.

Tourism Ireland GCC exhibits at the Arabian Travel Market from the 6th until the 9th of May 2008 with visiting Irish Trade Partners, Adams and Butler, experts in tailor-made luxury itineraries; and The Little Book of Luxury, a book which provides very special accommodation, leisure and shopping privileges for its consumers.

Agents holding Arabian Travel Market passports, who visit the Tourism Ireland stand on Travel Agents Day, 8th of May, will get the chance to win a Fly and Drive Holiday package for two, driving through the gloriously green countryside and staying at three of Ireland's most luxurious hotels, The Four Seasons in Dublin, Mount Juliet Conrad Estate, and Capella Castlemartyr in Cork. Ireland stand can be found at the European pavilion of the Dubai International Convention Centre, stand no. EU220.