The landmark one-millionth American visitor to Ireland this year arrived in Dublin this morning. Leonie Higgins, along with her husband Jim (both pictured with Brian Desmond, Aer Lingus duty manager, JFK, and Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland) who flew in from JFK New York, were offered two return tickets on behalf of Air Lingus and Tourism Ireland to celebrate the milestone.
The Irish-American couple, who live in Montgomery, in upstate New York, travel to Ireland regularly to attend the races at Punchestown and to play golf. However, this is their first time to spend Christmas in Ireland. Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s executive Vice President US and Canada, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to welcome the 1,000,000th American visitor to Ireland this year," said Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland;s executive vice president, US and Canada.
"2013 has been a record year for American visitors to Ireland – even surpassing our previous best year of 2007. This year, Ireland welcomed over one million Americans, spending US$1 billion. Tourism Ireland rolled out our new strategy – Make Ireland Jump Out – throughout 2013, targeting new audiences with strong potential for growth through a very extensive programme of promotions. There is no doubt that The Gathering has played an important part in helping to boost visitor numbers from the US – as we reached out to the almost 40 million Americans of Irish ancestry, as well as many others who feel Irish in spirit. Jack Foley, Aer Lingus vice president for North America, said: “We are delighted to welcome 2013’s millionth American visitor to Ireland. As Ireland’s national airline, we take pride in providing more access from North America to Ireland than any other carrier. This milestone is a testament to the hospitality that Aer Lingus and Ireland itself is known for. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2014, through our growing North American network.”
© 2013 - European Supermarket Magazine by Gordon Hunt
