This article is from page 11 of the 2006-09-19 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
CLARE businesses are set to reap a massive financial reward during this weeks Ryder Cup as a nationwide survey has positioned the county as the fifth most desirable location for foreign visitors to Ireland this year.
Clare has received six per cent of the total nominations to date for the 2006 Fáilte Ireland Irish Welcome Awards. This competition is voted on by foreign tourists who are asked to select which county best exemplifies the traditional Irish welcome.
Nominations have been received by tourists from 48 countries to date with majority of nominations coming from Ireland’s biggest tourist markets including including the USA, Britain, Germany, Australia and France.
The competition particularly targets guesthouse and bed and breakfast operators as the main point of one-to-one contact between tourists and the Irish public.
“So far, there is a tremendous number of nominations in and with over one month to go before the closing date for entries, so there is still time to tell us about that exceptional holiday experience,” said Shaun Quinn, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland.
“The Irish welcome is one of Ireland’s most unique characteristics and with 86 per cent of visitors saying the reason they come to Ireland is because of the friendly people, its importance cannot be stressed enough.”
On the ground, reports from around the county show an upturn in tourists visiting Clare over the last ten days. It is believed that this upturn will continue over the next two weeks if not farther.
“It has already had a massive impact on tourism in Clare,” said Paddy Maher of the Atlantis Holiday Group. “Hotels and guesthouses have been well booked with foreign golfers coming to play Lahinch and Doonbeg.
“We noticed the upturn from last weekend and I think that it will last at least until the end of next week. The real benefit will be felt next year, Ireland Inc is being giving the chance to show itself off and we have already taken a number of bookings for next year.”
Meanwhile, the Green Isle Hotel owned by Clare hoteliers the Lynch Family has been selected as the base for International press covering the Ryder Cup.