Why should Ireland see Aussies as only FIFO tourists

Cliffs of Moher. County Clare, Ireland.

Let's remember what Europe has done for us. Yes, that’s right, hurt us more than anything else.

So Ireland wants to attract the folk Down Under to come up and over for a visit.

We are an island of rich history and heritage, folklore, magic and beauty. So why are we always being marketed as more of a taster plate on a hop-on and hop-off tour of mainland Europe. Surely we have enough to offer the Aussies right here, rather than saying g’day and then goodbye again within the same weekend…right?

Tourism Ireland Strategy
Yet Tourism Ireland’s new strategy, jointly launched today with Minister Donohoe, will see Ireland, once again positioned to complement rather than compete with mainland european destinations. They say that these other destinations and iconic attractions are the main draw for the Australian long-haul tourist. Is that not admitting defeat before the battle has begun?

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, says: “Australia has performed well for tourism to the island of Ireland in recent years and the future is undoubtedly bright. We believe this is a market of considerable potential for Ireland over the coming years”.

Fight not flight
Well perhaps let’s go for gold with this one. If we market the place better, upgrade some attractions south of the boarder to the same standards as say, the Titanic Museum in Northern Ireland. We could also keep prices at reasonable levels and allow visitors to relax amongst our good value and good people. Then maybe, just maybe we could be singing multiple verses of Waltzing Matilda with our southern hemisphere cousins soon enough.

Stronger together?
When you think of it, a high percentage of Australians are direct descendants of our magical island. Many others are winging, ten-pound-poms from next door. I know we’ve had our differences over the years, but we could and should be teaming up on this one. Sing from the same hymn sheet for once. Entice and charm them to want to visit the Republic of Ireland and the British Isles. Forget about Europe. Lets remember what Europe has done for us. Yes, that’s right, hurt us more than anything else. So if we could take back just a little, let’s do it by utilising something we are great at…..welcoming strangers and showing them a good time.

Compete not compliment
Under Tourism Ireland’s new strategy, Ireland will be positioned to complement, rather than compete with, the most popular European destinations. C’mon Ireland (and our close neighbour) we are great sporting nations and Australia is too. Let’s channel some of that energy into marketing Ireland, north and south, and the British Isles as a top tourist destination and the place to travel to in 2015-2017.

Let’s compete not complement

Rant over… For now!

Liam.