The exchange rate between the dollar and the euro is playing a big part as well. More expensive now for Americans to come here. Lets face it Ireland isn’t cheap.

I’m not sure of numbers but the feeling on the ground from my English and Scottish friends is that Ireland lost alot of appeal for UK tourists over recent years. Although they’re putting in a relatively good effort to attract tourists from London, it doesn’t really transcend across the country…the marketing seems to begin with posters on the Underground and end with posters on London buses! I do see a big difference in peoples opinions on the country…the most common remark I get is that Ireland has FINALLY become more affordable for people to visit.

A direct flight from San Francisco would help too.

Good for tourists and good for links with silicon valley.

They should have no problem increasing tourism numbers in Ireland,
with a few thousand people emigrating each week.
If only a fraction of these people have to come back for a family wedding, funeral, repossession etc.
They should hit their target no problem.
Is this not the truth??

I really don’t understand why they always target the US for a once in a lifetime visit when they could be targeting Europe and getting people back every year.

It makes no sense to me. Any budget would be far better off spent in Europe and UK for return visits.
The Gathering may see an increase next year in tourism numbers but 2014 will be dead, and it is unlikely Americans will make the trip again.

I was stopped 5 times last week by people begging between O Connelll bridge and Trinity college. Most of them were drug addicts.
I hope the visitors don’t want to go see the American ambassador’s house or the Phoenix Park as the drive through park gate street outside the new court house is depressing and run down. That area could be beautiful if they cleaned up the buildings and moved the bus garage. This is the main route to our presidents house. It is embarresing that we are joining the Laus at a cost of millions borrowed when common sense tells us nobody wants that done only the politicians.

I’m an Irishman living in the US. Coming to Ireland with my family of six is exorbitantly expensive. A three week holiday in the Summer costs at least$15,000. Renting an automatic minivan is around $2,800 alone, plus $6,000 for flights. Renting a very modest seaside house runs Euro 700 per week. The car rental companies are such a rip off, they are the worst I’ve experienced in my travels. Sadly, I think Ireland is a ripoff in general. Our last two family holidays have not been to Ireland I’m sad to say.

I’ve stayed in four hotels in Ireland over the past two years and each time I was appalled at the lack of urgency in clearing away used cutlery etc from restaurant tables. At breakfast one morning I counted 15 tables which had not been cleared and as staff stood around chatting customers were engaged in clearing tables themselves. My last stay was in a hotel belonging to a well known international chain and I was so taken aback by the state of the breakfast room I left and had my breakfast in a local restaurant. I can’t see many Yanks putting up with that kind of service.

The yanks are sick of this place they’re sold leprechauns on their side of the pond,and get mugged when they get of the plane by the same leprechauns.

loads of room everyone emigrating

if only flights are way to expensive hotels the same. im sure plenty would love to visit ireland fact it the cost

We have some fantastic ideas for mobile tourism apps which would have a positive impact on ongoing tourism, not just for the the gathering; but can we get funding to help with the development costs? Not a chance! We could get a small amount of funding for setting up a one off event for the gathering, but not for something that would have a lasting impact.

I don’t think the government are interested in impacting on long term tourism, they just want a quick injection of tourist money via The “Money” Gathering event.

Make Ireland Stand Out? More like “Stand and Deliver!

New slogan: Ireland it’s familiar

Agree with DR re city streets populated by undesirables but the antisocial and criminal types litter once attractive quiet towns,villages even seaside areas with state and local government assistance.You’d need to be streetwise and native or local to know where to be certain of a peaceful holiday.

CSO figures show a fall of 4.5% in GB visitors (Aug-Oct), so why did Tourism Ireland decide to invest in the GB market (which is in structural decline) and The Gathering, instead of in the growing BRIC countries. The Gathering will generate VFR’s (Visiting Friends & Relatives) who have far less of an impact on the economy and job creation than long haul-visitors visitors from BRIC countries who stay in hotels, rent cars and eat out more than an average VFR visitor. Now is the time to invest in the BRIC countries, as all out main competitors are doing, since the BRICs are eventually going to overtake traditional western economies due to their ageing populations. This is spelt out in the following OECD video: http://www.bitly/oecdvideo

Ireland stands out for all the wrong reasons.

I’m telling all my friends overseas to stay away – especially if they are women.

“Ireland, the land of a hundred thousand welcomes (shake downs optional)”