Address by President of Ireland, Mary McAleese to Travel Industry Representatives, Sydney
Address by President of Ireland, Mary McAleese to Travel Industry Representatives, Sydney, on Wednesday 2 September, 1998
It is wonderful to be in Australia, and I am delighted to be in this beautiful Olympic City, where, I am told, some 20% of Australia’s population have made their home. Having just glimpsed the magnificence of Sydney Harbour, and the vigour and exuberance of the City, it is easy to see why. Australia has long been recognised as the most Irish nation outside of Ireland. With 40% of the population having some Irish heritage it is little wonder that so many Australians feel at home and are so warmly welcomed when they visit Ireland. It may also explain why I feel no sense of being a stranger here myself.
Indeed, while living in such a vast and beautiful country, I was particularly impressed by the fact that more and more Australians - some 100,000 last year - are making the decision to travel to an island that fits 64 times into the island they call home. There are many reasons - family and heritage - world class facilities and an unspoiled environment - above all the openness and friendliness of the Irish, who have a wonderful way with one another, and a special welcome for the visitor.
With 5 million visitors to the Republic of Ireland last year - we welcomed considerably more non-residents than the 3.6 million people living within our own State. It is a country rich in tradition which joins with a vibrant contemporary lifestyle where you can experience great literature, music and song, theatre, dance - indeed where our economic renaissance is underpinned by a rich cultural renaissance across every artistic discipline. Visitors enjoy a diversity of landscapes, sports and cultural activities, not to mention the recognition that is now being awarded to Irish chefs and the vast array of superior quality accommodation in truly stunning settings.
I would like to acknowledge and congratulate you all on the astounding development and growth in tourism between Australia and Ireland. Without your combined efforts we would not be experiencing the success we are enjoying today.
Right across the electronic and script media there is impressive coverage of Ireland as a holiday destination of exceptional excellence and great charm
The tourism trade must be commended for the work that has been done in developing such widespread interest in Ireland and for so skilfully promoting the individual product available on the Ireland market.
Here in Australia and around the world the Irish Tourist Board together with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board work hand in hand in the promotion of the island of Ireland, thus underlining the social and economic partnership which is central to the historic Good Friday Peace Agreement. Tourism is one of the priority areas earmarked to lead the way in the important joint activities for North South co-operation. There is a saying in Irish “ní neart go cur le cheile” – it means that we are at our strongest when we work together. The politics of partnership will transform the political, social and economic landscape of Ireland and the tourism sector has given a very strong dynamic lead.
I want to say a warm thanks to the Bord Fáilte staff, or the Irish Tourist Board as they are known locally, for all their positive effort and the hard work they continue to invest in this crucial area. As many of you are aware, Rychelle Kiely, Manager of the Irish Tourist Board in Australia and New Zealand, will be leaving us shortly. I would like to congratulate her on a job very well done and wish her every success in her new life in Ireland. She and her husband are wonderful examples of the many talented young people who are travelling to the land of their birth or heritage to contribute to the confident spirit of new and dynamic Ireland. I also welcome Rychelle's successor, Billy Condon to his new position. I know he will enjoy working with you as much as Rychelle.
This is a most welcome opportunity to meet such an influential gathering involved with the tourism industry. I recognise that your prime concern must be to look to the comfort and satisfaction of your clients and to ensure that they get full value for their investment in their precious holiday time. I can assure you that the importance of tourism for the Irish economy will guarantee that they will be warmly welcomed to our shores with the highest of professional standards. The fact that your customers are from a country with the closest possible links with Ireland also guarantees that the welcome which awaits them will be second to none.