TOURISM AT THE GLOBAL IRISH ECONOMIC FORUM

The Global Irish Economic Forum took place last week-end. As the sessions took place behind close doors, the media were not privy to the discussions. Nevertheless, David McWilliams, Alan Joyce (CEO Quantas) and Sir Gerry Robinson were on the Late Late Show on Friday night to give us some insights. I was facinated listening to Alan and Sir Gerry say that 'tourism' was the one sector critical to our economic future. Alan gave the example of New Zealand as a country taking the lead in this area and suggested we take a look! I think I said something similiar in a previous post! On Saturday, Niall O'Dowd was on the radio highlighting the importance of tourism yet again. On Sunday Minister Martin Cullen was on to say how he disagreed with the significant cuts proposed for the Arts and Culture sector in the McCarthy Report. Meanwhile, the Special Edition Discover Ireland Autumn Brochure (including a €50 voucher) was distributed with the week-end newspapers including a welcome from the Taoiseach and the Minister. I wonder if the penny might finally be dropping?