Irish eyes on the prize for an Open bigger and better than before

Great golf and festival atmosphere to combine for an unforgettable showcase of Irish sport and tourism

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin TD, spoke today about the importance of showcasing Ireland through our golf tourism. The Minister was speaking as the 3 Irish Open 2010 begins tomorrow in Killarney and as Fáilte Ireland outlined its intent to maximise the potential of the event for Ireland’s golfing and tourism sectors.

Minister Hanafin said “the Irish golfing community meets and welcomes almost 150,000 visitors annually. Golf is one of Ireland’s greatest tourist attractions, contributing an estimated €110 million to the economy. The Irish Open provides a wonderful window on Ireland – its golf and its people against a lush green landscape – that will appeal to the thousands who attend and the millions watching around the world.

I want to welcome all who attend over the next few days – both players and fans – and I hope we all enjoy some memorable golf amidst a festival atmosphere in the heartland of Irish tourism.”

Anticipating the competition, Redmond O’Donoghue, Chairman of Fáilte Ireland, emphasised that:

“This year’s Open is bigger than ever before. With a significant purse of €3m, a new prime-time slot on the European Tour and taking place just weeks before the naming of the European Ryder Cup team, the Irish Open can now claim to be one of the most prestigious tournaments in European golf.

With the recent renaissance in Irish Golf, it will be a superb opportunity to watch many of the great players from this Island who have led that resurgence – including Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, Shane Lowry and Fáilte Ireland’s official Golf ambassador, Padraig Harrington.”

Promoting Irish Golf

While the Irish Open provides an annual set-piece for showcasing Ireland as a premier golfing destination, Fáilte Ireland has been working over the last year with the golf industry, through a national Golf Forum, to put in place a number of initiatives that will support the industry in the challenging economic period. 

A new brand “Time to Play”, designed to rival competing destinations such as Scotland and Wales, along with the unveiling of Padraig Harrington as Ireland’s new Golf Ambassador have all helped to further position Ireland as a leading golf destination. 

Big Brother

To further highlight the new brand and the storytelling aspect of golf that differentiates Ireland from its competitors, Fáilte Ireland are calling for golf stories with a difference. During the Irish Open, there will be a “Big Brother” style diary room in the Discover Ireland tent calling for visitors to tell their favourite golf story.  The winner of the competition will be involved in the new Discover Ireland golf advert. 

Golf-Plus

Fáilte Ireland has embarked upon a new approach to widen the appeal of the Irish Open and drive visitors to Kerry for the bank holiday weekend. With the event moving towards a more family orientated approach, a major marketing drive has begun to encourage more people through the gate at Killarney Golf Club. 

Speaking in the build up to the event, Fáilte Ireland’s Redmond O’Donoghue stressed the fact that there will be great golf and much more offered at this year’s event –

“This year we have developed an Irish Open with a difference – one that combines great golf, friendly locals and a party atmosphere. We have been working closely with tourism businesses in Killarney to ensure that both the visiting public and watching audience leave with a lasting impression of county Kerry and Ireland.”  
 
The ‘Killarney Summerfest’ has moved their festival forward to coincide with the Open and provide that added appeal for potential visitors. With Killarney set for a festival atmosphere during the week, there is great scope to highlight all that Ireland’s tourism sector can offer.”  

Customers First

In addition, Kerry tourism businesses have committed to a Customer Care Charter, similar to that developed for the Volvo Ocean Race in Galway last year. The charter initiative, which is being rolled out in partnership with accommodation and food and beverage providers in Killarney, is designed to demonstrate that participating premises are ‘teed-up’ to welcome visitors to Killarney and Ireland during the Irish Open. The charter guarantees a comfortable, safe, informative and memorable experience as well as good value for money for all visitors during the event.

Mr O’Donoghue concluded by welcoming the benefits to developing a charter like this for major events –

“We want Killarney and the Kerry region to be portrayed in the best positive light to visitors, media and participants during the Irish Open. The event gives us a unique opportunity to boost Killarney’s deserved reputation as a popular holiday destination and we hope visitors will leave with many wonderful memories and a desire to return.”

ENDS

Radio Newsdesks note  - soundbite interview with Minister Mary Hanafin regarding 3 Irish Open and golf tourism will be available shortly on www.merrionstreet.ie - the new Irish Government news service website.

Note for editor
 

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