DCM Cuts the Ribbon for the U.S. Pavilion at Ireland’s Holiday World 2008

DCM Robert Faucher cutting the ribbon at the launch

On January 25th, Dublin’s Senior Commercial Officer joined the Deputy Chief of Mission at the official ribbon cutting and launching of the U.S.A. Pavilion at the “Holiday World” travel and tourism exhibition (sponsored by Visit USA and supported by Commercial Service Dublin).  Holiday World is Ireland’s annual outbound travel and tourism event, and a key multiplier event for the U.S. Commercial Service, running from January 24 (trade evening) through January 27.  An estimated 56,000 consumers and 3,500 media were expected to attend to view the 850 exhibitor booths representing over 80 countries, including 40 U.S. travel destinations, airlines, and organizations involved in the promotion of Irish travel to United States.  

DCM at the Maryland exhibit

Holiday World highlights the growing importance of Ireland as a source of travel and tourism receipts for the U.S.  Most recently, it has become the second fastest growing market for international arrivals into the United States, behind India and just ahead of China.  While neighboring European countries have struggled to increase their number of visitors to the U.S. year-on-year, Ireland has consistently recorded above average growth translating into a total increase of 102% over the last ten years.   While statistics are not yet available for 2007, early indicators suggest that the number of visitors is up almost 10 percent on the previous year.  The number of visitors from Ireland to the U.S. in 2007 is therefore expected to be in excess of 600,000 thus securing its position in the top 10 markets for international arrivals.