Saloni Bhatia – New Delhi
Tourism Ireland recently concluded its India Sales Mission in New Delhi, focused on workshops, presentations and networking events to link ties between Ireland Tourism and Indian travel trade. Niall Gibbons, chief executive, Tourism Ireland, informed, “In 2015, Ireland witnessed 27,500 Indian tourist arrivals and there already has been a 20 per cent increase in the visa applications this year. The Asian market contributes to about seven per cent of tourism in the country, but we are looking at India as a major market. We are aiming at reaching 30,000 Indian tourist arrivals by the end of 2017 and will also be making some investment in marketing initiatives to promote the country. We are keen on hosting familiarisation trips and Bollywood movies in the near future.”
When asked about whether the country will be benefited post Brexit, Gibbon opined, “About 40 per cent of our arrivals are from the UK and the continuation of the British Irish Visa Scheme has benefited us in a big way.” The British Irish Visa Scheme allows for travel to and around Ireland and the UK on a single visa. The recently launched scheme allows visitors from India to travel freely within Ireland and the UK using either an Irish or UK visa.
Talking about the MICE market, Gibbon added, “The Irish MICE market accounts to about 600 billion Euros and we are keen on tapping the right audience from India as well. We have already had a chance to host some big company delegations in the past and look forward to more such opportunities.”
Tara Kerry, business development trade engagement manager, Fáilte Ireland, National Tourism Development Authority, mentioned, “We are also looking at promoting the west coast along with the main city of Dublin.”