Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
1257. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he proposes to build on the impact of The Gathering in future years in view of the fact that a recent analysis of the latest United States census shows there are almost seven times more Irish-Americans than the entire population of Ireland. [45781/13]
View answerThis year will be a record year in terms of visitors from the United States and Canada.
The Gathering Ireland 2013 aimed primarily to generate additional tourist numbers and revenue in 2013. However, it also aimed to have a longer-term impact. We set a target of 325,000 visitors and we are well on the way to meeting that. Air capacity from the US for the summer peak was up more than 20% this year, with 270,000 extra seats on new and existing routes - and further growth is in prospect for next year. But The Gathering was never just about visitor numbers and revenues. It is also about community pride and strengthening links with the diaspora.
The Gathering helped to strengthen existing links with Irish communities abroad and create new connections. Tourism Ireland will continue to work with the diaspora networks and will include this global family as part of its future promotional work overseas. The networks and databases created through The Gathering will also remain as a valuable asset to Irish tourism.
A number of Gathering related events and festivals have already been identified as having potential to run again next year or in future years. Similarly, the success of the Emerald Isle Classic college football game, which was a key part of the marketing campaign for the Gathering, is being built on with the game between Penn State – with the largest alumni association in the US - and the University of Central Florida in Croke Park.
The Gathering also made a vital contribution to the local community. The Gathering network also provided extensive training to more than 2,500 people and these community engagement skills will endure and be available to support other local events.
Recently Minister Ring visited the United States to attend the Milwaukee Irish Festival which draws over 500,000 people and Tourism Ireland will do more in this space. Last month, I visited California to promote the new routes between Dublin and San Francisco that will start next April.
It should be noted, however, that our research shows that a majority of US visitors to Ireland are not of Irish heritage and the population of the US is becoming more Latino and Asian so we need to ensure that we promote Ireland as a destination to all Americans.
