Minister of state for tourism and sport Brendan Griffin and minister of state for the diaspora and international development Ciaran Cannon have announced funding of up to €100,000 each for Kerry County Council and Mayo County Council through the Global Irish Festival Series for 2021.
The Global Irish Festival Series is a joint initiative between Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide funding and support, through relevant local authorities, for events that tap into international diaspora networks to help attract overseas visitors.
The festival series is part of Fáilte Ireland's recovery strategy for the tourism industry, which will feed into the work of the recently established Tourism Recovery Taskforce.
Both Kerry and Mayo County Councils will receive funding to develop events to encourage Ireland's diaspora to visit Ireland once the COVID-19 public health emergency passes.
"Important That We Look Ahead"
Griffin stated, "This is a hugely difficult and anxious time for the tourism industry, but it is important that we look ahead. The Global Irish Festival Series will enable local communities in Kerry and Mayo to build on their diaspora networks and deepen connections around the world that will help to generate tourism activity next year."
"Reinforcing The Connections Between Ireland And [Its] Diaspora"
Meanwhile, Cannon commented, "In the face of the global challenge posed by COVID-19, it is important for us to reaffirm our sense of solidarity and common identity. The Global Irish Festival Series is an important part of reinforcing the connections between Ireland and our diaspora. We will work with our partners in Fáilte Ireland and the local communities in Mayo and Kerry to strengthen their deep connection with the diaspora."
"Delighted"
Fáilte Ireland's head of festivals, Ciara Sugrue, added, "We are delighted to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade once again on the Global Irish Festival Series as we look at rebuilding the tourism industry and the vital contributions it makes to Irish society. The festivals and events supported through the series will help drive tourism to specific locations, including regional areas outside of current hot spots, creating new economic benefits for local communities, and this will be hugely important as we move into the recovery phase of the COVID-19 crisis."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
