EPIC The Irish Emigration, Spike Island, Adare Manor, Ashford Castle, Inchydoney Hotel & Spa, The Marker Hotel, Jameson Distillery Bow St, the Pearse Lyons Distillery, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, Fáilte Ireland and Aer Lingus have been nominated for World Travel Awards this year.
EPIC Statement
EPIC stated on its website, "EPIC have once again been nominated as 'Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction' at the World Travel Awards, following our wins in 2019 and 2020.
"The award, voted for by our visitors and by tourism industry media and professionals, has been a boost for our museum’s awareness both at home and abroad and allowed us shine a bigger light on Ireland’s emigrants and diaspora and their impact and achievements all around the world. It has meant that people have come to Dublin to visit Europe’s leading tourist attraction.
"We're going for three in a row. A win for tourism, a win for Dublin and a win for EPIC."
"Worked Hard To Continue Deserving The Title"
EPIC continued on its website, "Since our last win, we have worked hard to continue deserving the title of 'Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction'. Despite the museum being closed during 2020's lockdowns, we ran many activities and online events for families and school children, meaning over 50,000 people engaged in entertaining and educational social and history curricular workshops.
"EPIC was the only Irish winner of a prestigious Sandford Education Award celebrating and promoting high quality in heritage learning. We have also just launched the very first exhibition researched and dedicated to the impact and influence of the Irish LGBTQ+ Diaspora. Out in the World has been launched in Dublin and in Washington DC and will soon travel to Irish Consuls and Embassies around the World.
"We have lots more ambition and plans for 2021 - your support in helping us keep the title of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction in Dublin will be a boost to our staff, our visitors and the awareness of the impact and influence of the Irish abroad.
"As one of 12 finalists, EPIC have been shortlisted alongside prestigious landmarks and attractions, including:
- Batumi Boulevard, Georgia
- Buckingham Palace, England
- Castle In Love with the Wind, Bulgaria
- Cycling through the Trees, Belgium
- Dark Sky Alqueva, Portugal and Spain
- Passadiços do Paiva (Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark), Portugal
- Sagrada Família, Spain
- The Acropolis of Athens, Greece
- The Eiffel Tower, France
- The Roman Colosseum, Italy
- Spike Island, Ireland
"The other Irish nominee, Spike Island, would also appreciate your vote. Spike Island, who won the Award in 2017 is formerly the world’s largest prison and is today home to several museums, exhibitions, scenic island walks, child friendly areas, a café and gift shop. Their win would also be a win for tourism and a win for Ireland."
World Travel Awards Details
EPIC added on its website, "The World Travel Awards are renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the global industry and are attended by key figures. These awards are recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with the winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The winner will be announced at the World Travel Awards European Final in Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan on Wednesday 8th September 2021."
EPIC CEO And Museum Director Statement
EPIC CEO And museum director J. Patrick Greene stated, "In a positive update for tourism, for Dublin and for ourselves, we are delighted to be a finalist for ‘Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction’ in the 2021 World Travel Awards, our third time to be nominated for this title… The Award, voted for by our visitors and by tourism industry media and professionals, has been a help for our Museum’s awareness both home and abroad. It has allowed us shine a bigger light on Ireland's emigrants and diaspora and their impact and achievements all around the world, including our new LGBTQ+ exhibition, Out in the World. It has also meant that people have come to Dublin to visit Europe's leading tourist attraction.
"We are very grateful for the continued support of our neighbours, partners, supporters, visitors and friends as well as our many colleagues, collaborators and peers in Museums, Cultural Institutions and Attractions in Ireland and abroad. We are happy to continue being ambassadors for the best things to do in Ireland to visitors and locals alike.
"Winning this award last year was a great honour for EPIC and something that all Irish people can be proud of, wherever they live. Tourism is now more important than ever so let’s keep Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction right here in Ireland."
Voting Open
Voting for the World Travel Awards 2021 is now open on wordtravelawards.com. Voting will close on July 14.
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
