Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., has announced the appointment of Ruth Andrews as the new Chairperson of the National Tourism Development Authority (Fáilte Ireland).
Commenting on the appointment, Minister Martin, said:
“I want to congratulate Ruth on her appointment and to wish her well in this critical role in the years ahead. Her commitment to Irish tourism is known to all within the sector and I believe that she is very well placed to lead the Board of Fáilte Ireland in these critical coming years for the recovery and sustainable development of Irish tourism.
Ruth has an in-depth knowledge of the challenges that face this most important of sectors. I look forward to working with Ruth and Fáilte Ireland as I lead out on the finalisation and implementation of a new national tourism policy, which will be focused on the sustainable environmental, economic and societal development of Irish tourism.”
CEO of Fáilte Ireland Paul Kelly welcomed the appointment of Ms Ruth Andrews.
“I warmly welcome the appointment of Ruth Andrews to the position of Chairperson of Fáilte Ireland by Minister Martin. Ruth has a renowned track record of strong leadership and expertise in the tourism industry spanning over 35 years. Her vast sectoral experience will be of immense value to the Authority and the Fáilte Ireland Executive Team. Our work is focused on optimising the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution of tourism across Ireland and I look forward to working closely with Ruth and the Authority as we support businesses on the ground to help drive growth sustainably.”
The appointment, for a term of five years, follows a public call for applications on the State Board’s website, and an assessment process managed by the Public Appointments Service.
Ruth Andrews’ career in Irish tourism began in the hotel sector in the mid-eighties, working as a marketing/sales professional in some of Ireland's then largest hotel chains – Doyle Hotel and Great Southern Hotel Groups. She established her own marketing/sales consultancy service in the late ‘90’s, providing marketing communications, coaching & mentoring and business development expertise to a wide range of Irish Tourism industry businesses in a variety of sectors. As Chief Executive for the ITOA, Incoming Tour Operators Association-Ireland, a position she has held since 2006, she also works with AVEA, the Association of Visitor Experience and Attractions, as special advisor to the Board. In 2019, she accepted the two-year term as Chairperson of ITIC, the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, which was extended by a year to assist the industry through the COVID-19 pandemic. She was instrumental in guiding the industry during this difficult time as Chair of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce. Ruth has served on many industry and advisory boards.
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