Tourism chiefs get behind culture to drive sector

THE Government and tourism authorities are set to embark on a promotion of Ireland’s cultural attractions as a key driver of growth for the sector as Irish tourism faces into an uncertain economic period.

Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister Martin Cullen said yesterday that Ireland still did not have a high profile as an international cultural destination, despite having 4,800 individual products relevant to cultural tourism.

Opening Fáilte Ireland’s annual tourism conference in Dublin Castle, Mr Cullen said: “We need to present and market these products and experiences in a smarter and more effective manner.”