Ryder Cup rip-off - Don’t let greed ruin opportunity

UNUSUALLY for the representative of another country here, US Ambassador James Kenny has warned against an outbreak of what, realistically, would be the ‘rip-off Ireland’ syndrome during the Ryder Cup golf event next month.

Although he expressed concern only about American visitors, the point has not been lost on the Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue.

He took the opportunity when announcing a e10 million advertising campaign to attract golfing tourists from Britain, Europe and the US for the event, to appeal for common sense among service providers in the tourism and hospitality industries.