Local Festival Receives Funding Boost

Pictured at the Holiday Show, are Daryl Downey, Westport Music Festival; Michael Ring, T.D. Minister of State for Tourism and Sport and Orla Carroll, Head of Marketing and eBusiness, Fáilte Ireland.

Local Festival Receives Funding Boost

National Tourism Authority supporting over 200 key events in 2012

Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, today announced that €40,000 in funding has been secured for The Westport Music Festival.  The tourism authority will be supporting over 200 key events across the country this year. 

Research indicates that over 400,000 overseas visitors attend a festival as part of their trip to Ireland each year. In addition, 40% of Irish adults attend a festival at some point during the year with many staying in local accommodation while there, helping festivals generate in excess of 2 million accommodation bed-nights in Ireland from the domestic market alone. 

Welcoming the news of the new festival, Minister for State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring T.D. said –

“Festivals and events are an extremely important part of tourism in Ireland. Not only are they an integral part of what Ireland offers as a destination, they provide an opportunity for visitors to experience local culture and traditions and for communities to bring visitors and revenue into their areas.”

“This Government is committed to supporting those festivals which are proven to attract visitors into every corner of Ireland.  I am delighted that through Fáilte Ireland we are able to provide support to The Westport Music Festival and wish all involved every success for this year’s event.”

This year Fáilte Ireland will fund over 200 festivals across the country through the Festivals and Participative Events Initiative as part of a €3.25 million tourism package. Along with the Discover Ireland campaign, the national tourism authority are ensuring that holidaymakers, both domestic and overseas, are spoilt for choice with things to do and see this summer season. 

Mr Shaun Quinn, CEO of Fáilte Ireland stressed the importance of festivals for Ireland and the tourism sector –

“Wherever you go around Ireland, there will be festivals and things to see and do everywhere.  Behind all the fun and enjoyment, lies a strong business case.  The simple matter is, interesting and attractive festivals bring people into this country and encourage people to travel throughout the country.”

He continued –

“Festivals and events also greatly improve the overall visitor experience of Ireland - providing opportunities to showcase not only Irish culture but the good nature, charm and invention of our people as well. 

There are also clear economic benefits resulting from festivals with research showing that festivals generated €448 million in economic activity during 2010.  It is also estimated that the additional revenue generated by festivals supports up to 9,000 extra jobs.” 

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Alex Connolly – Head of Communications
086 7966320/01 8847884

Louise Tolerton - Press Officer
086 6086578/01 8847135

Note for Editor

Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, was established in 2003 to guide and promote tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.

The tourism and hospitality industry employs an estimated 170,000 people and generates almost €5 billion in revenue a year. 

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