Promoting Ireland as the Safest Place to Travel post-COVID 19 says Tourism Ireland representatives Mrs. Beena Menon and Mrs. Huzan Fraser Motivala
In an Interview with the Tourism Ireland in context to how is Ireland doing so far to keep its place on the list of Top Travel Destinations, we had a conversation with Mrs Beena Menon and Mrs Huzan Fraser Motivala who are representing Tourism Ireland. Conversation as follows:
1. What is your advise about safety and health measures of all tourists travelling to your country?
In common with many countries around the world, we do have confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the island of Ireland. The authorities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are taking measures to protect public safety and limit the further spread of the virus. The guidance to stay at home has been extended until 18 May in Ireland because the measures are working. While healthcare throughout the island is of a high standard, you can expect all systems to be under significant pressure until further notice.
2. What are the necessary steps/ actions taken by the tourism board post COVID-19?
The effect of COVID-19 is not over yet. We are still at a stage wherein the countries are witnessing the impact of the pandemic. Once things get back to normal, we will have a post-COVID-19 campaign in place, which will be focussed on showcasing our destination as a safe place for holidays. All these steps will be taken with due consideration of government norms and guidelines of country.
3. What actions are been taken to ensure that the tourism board is ready to get leisure & business travelers back after COVID-19 pandemic is over?
In these tough times, it is important to create a recall value for the destination. We are keeping the interest in the destination alive so that consumers have a desire to travel once the restrictions are lifted. We are doing this through social media and working with the travel trade. The current lockdown has given us an opportunity to train and educate a large number of travel agencies. Once the situation reaches normalcy we will restart our marketing and promotional activities. Joint co-operative activities with the travel trade and airline partners will be aimed to motivate and lure leisure and MICE travel to Ireland. In addition, we will continue to work closely with the Embassy of Ireland.
5. Impact of COVID-19 on particular tourism board travel and tourism revenue in 2019 and forecast for 2020?
ln 2018 Ireland welcomed 40,000 Indian visitors and we expect this numbers has grown by 15% to 20% in 2019 and further growth was expected in 2020. However, due to COVID-19, we won’t be able to achieve the growth that was earlier projected. This will result in tourism revenue loss.
6. What precautions you advise to the travellers after coronavirus pandemic is over?
We will follow the advisory issued by the Government of Ireland.
7. What are the future plans to organise road shows/ exhibition to tap the outbound and inbound market?
Once the pandemic is over and situation is normal, we will continue with roadshows, events and marketing activities to promote the island of Ireland in India.
9. How do you see the footfall of international travellers post COVID-19?
International travel will take time to bounce back. When the travel restrictions are lifted, we expect to see the footfall from nearby countries like Europe and UK to Ireland. Long-haul markets like India will start picking up gradually but there will be a lot of pent up demand to travel.
10. What were 2019 tourist arrivals and what you are excepting in 2020-21?
ln 2018 Ireland welcomed 40,000 Indian visitors and we expect this numbers has grown by 15% to 20% in 2019 and further growth was expected in 2020. However, due to COVID-19, we won’t be able to achieve the growth that was earlier projected. But we believe there will be a lot of pent up demand, which will result in travel to Ireland in 2021.
11. What are the future attractions for the visitor’s in Fair n festival organized by the tourism board?
From breath-taking landscapes and rural idylls to buzzing urban hubs and amazing festivals, Ireland has it all. This Emerald Isle is the land of myths & legends that captures imaginations. Dublin and Belfast are two must-visit cities on the island of Ireland. From the iconic Titanic Belfast to the incredible Guinness Storehouse, Belfast and Dublin are packed with history, culture, exciting events, great food and super shopping!
Some of the iconic attractions of Dublin include the Little Dublin Museum, Trinity College, Book of Kells, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Phoenix Park, Dublin Castle, Dublin Writer’s Museum, James Joyce Tower, Malahide Castle and Temple Bar – Dublin’s cultural quarter. Some of the iconic attractions of Belfast include Titanic Belfast, HMS Caroline, Titanic Quarter, Crumlin Road Gaol, St Anne’s Cathedral and Street Art Walking Tour at Cathedral Quarter, Belfast City hall, Belfast Traditional Music Trails, and Cathedral & Queen’s Quarter.
The Irish calendar is packed full of festivals. Ireland is renowned for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which brighten the streets of towns and villages each March. Ireland is the original home of Samhain and Halloween traditions in the Western World. Dublin city lights up every New Year’s Eve with events.
We hope this Q&A session by Mrs. Beena Menon and Mrs. Huzan Fraser Motivala has helped you the readers, in any way possible. We would like to thank our 10K plus subscribers and active reader. if you have not subscribed yet do so to keep it in touch with upcoming content.
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