The Arts Council has just released a very comprehensive report entitled Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Arts in Ireland. The report is the first of its kind and focusses on job creation and employment, the economic benefits of the arts, the impact of arts investment on cultural tourism, the relationship between the arts and the smart economy and the contribution of the arts in re-building Ireland's international reputation. The report finds that the sector employs 26,519 people and is worth €782 million to the Irish economy annually. It further confirms the inter-dependencies of the arts and tourism sectors stating that
'A review of visitor attraction numbers reinforces the role of the Arts for cultural
tourism in Ireland and points to the fact that the continued development of the
tourism industry can be fostered in tandem with a focus on arts activities and
facilities'.
The recent establishment by Dublin Tourism of a Cultural Tourism Strategy, chaired by Paul Carty is thus very timely.
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