Tourism Ireland has opened a new office in San Francisco. The opening of the new office by Tourism Minister Catherine Martin in Ireland House underlines the importance of the western region of the U.S. for tourism to the island. It also shows Tourism Ireland’s commitment to that part of the U.S. and support for Aer Lingus and its direct flights to Dublin—from San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. The new office in San Francisco is part of Tourism Ireland’s commitment to the roll-out of the government’s "Global Ireland" strategy.
Martin’s schedule in California included several engagements besides an event in Los Angeles, which was attended by nearly 50 key travel and lifestyle journalists; and Tourism Ireland’s “Best of Ireland” workshop in San Francisco, which was attended by tour operators and travel agents.
Martin said, “It’s a privilege to open Tourism Ireland’s new office here in San Francisco. After the turmoil of the past two years, seeing Tourism Ireland expand their operations in the U.S. is such a welcome boost to the recovery of our tourism industry. The United States is our most important market in terms of revenue and the opening of this office will greatly help in achieving the ambitious targets for further growth set out in the government’s 'Global Ireland' strategy. Ireland is open for business again and we cannot wait to roll out the green carpet and welcome back our American visitors. I commend Tourism Ireland for the fine work they continue to do in promoting the whole island of Ireland in the U.S. and I wish them every success in their new home here in San Francisco.”
The U.S. is the second largest market for visitor numbers to Ireland. In 2019, the island welcomed 1.7 million American visitors. The U.S. helps Ireland generate 27 percent of all tourist revenue; revenue generated by American visitors in 2019 amounted to €1.6 billion (approximately $1.7 billion). Travelers from the western region of the U.S. represent one-fifth of all targeted U.S. vacationers for Ireland. They are frequent travelers and more likely to stay longer (62 percent stay six nights or more as opposed to 56 percent of other U.S. visitors).
For more information, visit www.ireland.com.
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