Wonders of Ireland can swing RWC bid

The chief executive of the 2011 New Zealand Rugby World Cup believes Ireland’s scenic regions and its tradition for hospitality will significantly help its bid for the 2023 equivalent.

Speaking ahead of his visit to Ireland for a major sport tourism conference next week, the chief organiser of the most recent tournament said that tourism gateways like Cork, Galway, Killarney and Limerick will significantly strengthen Ireland’s chances.

Martin Snedden will be amongst a host of international sport tourism experts who will travel to Limerick for the European Sport Tourism Summit next Thursday in Thomond Park and explain how Ireland can get a slice of the €450 billion global Sport Tourism industry.

“I haven’t been to the south or west coast of Ireland but I have heard all about it and seen breathtaking images. Because of the tradition of tourism in these areas, they are accustomed to catering for big numbers and also have incredible scenery on their doorstep so they really strengthen Ireland’s hand.

“The Rugby World Cup is a huge global brand and the organisers will rightly want every aspect of the experience to be quality. It would seem to me that Ireland will deliver on this in a way few countries can, now that the GAA has generously agreed to make their grounds available.”

Snedden said that as the tournament is over 45 days, media will spend a lot of time not necessarily thinking, talking, writing about rugby only but actually describing the host country and the regional flavours.

“We knew this would happen in New Zealand and went to a lot of trouble to make sure the media were linked in with tourism. Tourism New Zealand made sure that they had access to the best that the region would offer.

“It’s not just rugby journalists who are here. There are general interest media, tourism media, and that’s a huge opportunity for a host nation.

“It seems to me that Ireland will deliver a particularly strong regional experience. Cork, Limerick, Galway and Belfast, for example, are gateways to spectacular tourism regions. Cork, of course, will have a spanking new stadium and both Limerick and Galway, from what I know, have excellent stadia, not least with the legendary Thomond Park.

“I’ve also read quite a bit about Killarney and the special ingredient it will offer. Being able to televise a game from a location with incredible mountains in the backdrop and some of the world’s best scenery nearby will be a broadcasters’ dream.”

The European Sport Tourism Summit, sponsored by Shannon Airport, will be attended by delegates from sports organisations, local authorities, federations, clubs, charity organisations and communities here and abroad eager to attract global sports events and tournaments or develop their own major sport tourism product around mass participation events. Among the list of high-profile international experts will be Julian Jenkins, Cardiff City FC commercial director and ex-England and Lions star Lawrence Dallaglio.

- See sportourismsummit.ie