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You are > Home > Tourism triumph for West as Galway secures Ocean Race
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Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tourism triumph for West as Galway secures Ocean Race
BY CRÓNA ESLER
THE west of Ireland has secured a major tourism victory in recent days, with news that Galway city has been selected to host the final leg of the 2012 Volvo Round the World Ocean Race.
The Taoiseach and the CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race signed the contract in Dublin on Wednesday last, March 10. Galway overcame stiff competition from Amsterdam and Stockholm to host the closing ceremony of the 2011/2012 race.
In 2009, the stop-over was worth approximately €56 million to the city. It is estimated that the finale in 2010 could be worth between €60 and €80 million to the local economy.
Not surprisingly therefore, the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has welcomed the selection. After the news broke in recent days, Paul Gallagher, President of the IHF, stated that the event will provide a phenomenal platform to showcase Ireland internationally and profile the country as a vibrant and attractive destination to hundreds of millions of potential visitors across the globe.
The event in two years time offers enormous tourism potential for the west, and indeed the country at large. “By attracting up to 40,000 overseas visitors and injecting up to €80m in tourism income, it promises a much-needed boost for businesses across Galway and the west,” he said
According to Paul Gill, Chairman of the Galway branch of the IHF, hotels and guesthouses throughout the West of Ireland are delighted that Galway is hosting a sporting event of such magnitude with the potential to reach so many people worldwide. “We look forward to welcoming our ocean racing friends back to Galway for what we will be a truly memorable experience,” he beamed.
On behalf of hoteliers in Galway, Mr Gill thanked Minister Éamon Ó Cuív and John Killeen, Chairman of Let’s Do It Galway, for their tireless energy and commitment in helping to secure the 2012 finale for Galway.
The Western Development Commission has also welcomed the announcement. “We are absolutely delighted at Galway’s selection as the race finish port.
Galway’s selection is the product of a cohesive public and private partnership that will deliver substantial tourism revenues not only to the Western Region but to the island as a whole,” said Lisa McAllister, chief executive of the WDC.
The WDC was heavily involved in the Galway stopover in 2009 and is currently actively supporting the Let’s do it Galway Team in hosting the Round Ireland Offshore Powerboat Race 2010.
The WDC recognises the enormous potential that the hosting of such events offers to the western region and all those associated with bringing such events to the Region should be strongly supported in their efforts.
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