Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland
NIALL GIBBONS:
HAPPY TRAILS
Congratulations to Niall Gibbons, who is stepping down from his position as CEO of Tourism Ireland in March 2023, after a distinguished 21 year career that included fourteen years as chief executive officer.
Under Gibbons' leadership, Ireland has been deftly marketed and branded as a prime destination for visitors not just from the North America market but throughout the world.
"It has been an honor and a privilege," Gibbons said. "I started with the company just after 9/11 and tourism has weathered many challenges since then, including COVID-19. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, which gave rise to Tourism Ireland, the time is right for a new challenge."
Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination. It was formed in 2002, jointly funded by both the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive to officially promote the entire island of Ireland as a single, compelling destination.
Tourism Ireland Chairman Christopher Brooke praised Gibbons for his "outstanding leadership and commitment to tourism over the last 21 years. Tourism Ireland has been one of the great success stories of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, demonstrating that compromise and goodwill can build a better future for all of us."
Among the initiatives under Gibbons is the wildly popular Global Greening on St. Patrick's Day around the world, which has lit up buildings and landmarks each March to celebrate Irish heritage. Additionally, Tourism Ireland's partnerships with HBO's Game of Thrones and Lucasfilm's Star Wars have introduced Ireland to millions of film and television audiences around the world, resulting in an economic tourism boom as visitors seek out the iconic locations.
In Northern Ireland, Titanic Belfast museum and world-class golf courses have also been successfully promoted, resulting in the World Economic Forum ranking Ireland third out of 140 countries for tourism marketing and branding effectiveness.
The Boston and New England market has collaborated closely with Tourism Ireland on marketing initiatives over the years, including the Gaelic Gourmet Chef series, the St. Patrick's Day Global Greening campaign, Fill your Heart with Ireland and Press the Green Button campaigns.
Best wishes Niall, from the Boston Irish Tourism Association, and from all of us in Boston, Massachusetts and New England. Thank you for your distinguished service.
Images above with kind permission and courtesy of Celtic Life International.
Sidebar image courtesy of Tourism Ireland.