Hoteliers: Waterford Crystal must be kept uniquely Irish

HOTELIERS have warned that tourism will suffer if the Waterford Crystal brand is not preserved as a uniquely Irish product.

Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) president Matthew Ryan said the brand was part of Ireland’s national identity and was as important as Guinness, Kerrygold and Jameson, and locations such as Blarney and Killarney, for Ireland’s image as a tourist destination.

“These iconic brands, together with the experience of visitors who have come to Ireland, are among the strongest tools we have in marketing Ireland abroad as a attractive destination. The implications for tourism can not be overstated,” he said.