Ireland has been named ‘best emerging destination’ for 2013 at an awards ceremony in India organised by Lonely Planet magazine, beating off competition from Canada, Oman, Croatia, Vietnam and Fiji.
The award was presented to Tourism Ireland by Indian actor and producer John Abraham at a gala ceremony over the weekend in Mumbai attended by travel industry leaders from around India as well as various Bollywood stars.
Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said the agency has been working hard to build awareness of the island of Ireland as a premier holiday and business tourism destination in India.
“Latest estimates by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) suggest that India will account for 50 million outbound tourists by 2020 and we believe this market could play a significant part in helping us to grow tourism from overseas.
“Since the visa waiver scheme was introduced by the Irish Government, there has been a noted increase in demand among Indian travellers for Ireland, with a number of tour operators programming Ireland for the first time ever, on the back of the new arrangements.”
The many castles are ancient and renewed are wonderful to tour around and also to stay in as many have been converted into 4 and 5 star hotels. If you don’t want to stay in them, stop in for a coffee and enjoy the beautiful receptions.
If you’re going as a tourist, stay as a base and find there are quite cheap flights to UK and Europe if you want to see Paris, Rome, London, Berlin while there.
Lough Erne Host to the recent G8 Summit in Ireland.
Visit our sister site in Ireland to get ideas and help on Destination Weddings or Honeymoons in Ireland.
Photos from Clontarf Castle, Ireland and Solis Lough Castle