Tourism Ireland is responsible for promoting and marketing the island of Ireland as a holiday destination. The organization was established in 2000 and is jointly funded by the Irish government and the Northern Ireland Executive. As of August 2021, the CEO of Tourism Ireland is Niall Gibbons.
Niall Gibbons – CEO of Tourism Ireland
Niall Gibbons has been CEO of Tourism Ireland since 2009, following a career in marketing and tourism. He has been with Tourism Ireland since its inception in 2000, serving in various roles including Director of Corporate Services and Deputy CEO.
Under Gibbons’ leadership, Tourism Ireland has seen significant growth in visitor numbers to the island of Ireland. In 2019, almost 11.2 million overseas visitors came to the island, generating €5.8 billion in revenue for the economy.
The Role of the CEO
As CEO, Niall Gibbons is responsible for leading and managing Tourism Ireland’s operations both domestically and internationally. He works closely with key stakeholders such as government agencies, tourism industry partners, and other organizations to develop strategies that promote tourism to the island of Ireland.
Gibbons also oversees Tourism Ireland’s global marketing campaigns, which aim to showcase the best of what Ireland has to offer as a holiday destination. These campaigns include online advertising, social media promotions, public relations activities, and participation in international trade shows and events.
Tourism Industry Challenges
Like many industries, tourism has faced significant challenges over the past two years due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on travel. However, under Niall Gibbons’ leadership, Tourism Ireland has adapted its approach to continue promoting Irish tourism while maintaining safety protocols for visitors.
Gibbons has emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses within the industry during this time by encouraging domestic travel and promoting staycations. He has also worked to position Ireland as a safe and welcoming destination for international visitors once travel restrictions ease.
Conclusion
Niall Gibbons has been instrumental in promoting Irish tourism for over two decades and his leadership as CEO of Tourism Ireland has been key to the organization’s success. With his guidance, the tourism industry on the island of Ireland is poised to bounce back stronger than ever after the pandemic.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, keep an eye out for Tourism Ireland’s marketing campaigns showcasing the best experiences on offer across the island. With Niall Gibbons at the helm, you can be sure that your visit will be a memorable one.