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.”