Tourism hit: Ireland gets seal of approval from US State Department
The site gets over 11 million hits a month and the Department of Foreign Affairs is delighted with what is effectively free advertising for our tourism industry.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern gave it his ministerial seal of approval yesterday.
“The US State Department website receives over 11 million hits a month. That is a phenomenal figure,” he said.
“This is a window to the world for Ireland. Many people, and possible investors, who would know nothing at all about Ireland have a direct link to facts about our country.”
The picture of Blarney Castle is the main photo in a section on the homepage which offers travel advice to Americans.
The link takes readers to a section on Ireland detailing facts and figures about the country, our history, politics, and our economy.
It even offers helpful hints on how to pronounce Taoiseach (TEE-shuck), Oireachtas (o-ROCK-tas), and Dáil (Doil).
Another section reads: “US relations with Ireland have long been based on common ancestral ties and shared values.
“These relations have broadened and matured, given the significant US role in Ireland’s economic success and cooperation on global challenges.”
Jason Coulter, manager of Blarney Castle Estate, said he hoped the publicity would translate into extra visitors.
