Indo-Irish Commonalities Are A Key Strength

Leo Ganter, market development manager, Tourism Ireland tells Bhisham Mansukhani why Indian arrivals to Ireland have only one way to go

How long has Tourism Ireland been promoting to the Indian market? Which is the most reliable niche for Ireland in the Indian context?

Tourism Ireland has had a presence in India for close to a year and a half. India, alongside China, is regarded as our two most important Asian markets. Golf has emerged as one of the most important niches for Ireland in India. We have been tapping the corporate market to that end. There are in fact golfing journalists currently in Ireland competing in a media competition.

There are other activities as well like crusing, fishing and trekking. There is also a great similarity in the social sense between Indians and the Irish and that is an intangible attraction. Indo-Irish commonalities, to my mind, are a key strength that we have.

How well has the partnership with VisitBritain worked for Tourism Ireland?

The partnership with VisitBritain has reaped good benefit. We have participated in their promotions and while we might compete in different markets, there is no such issue in case of India and that has worked well for us. Consequently, many Indian tourists going to London, do also holiday in Britain.

Has the process of obtaining a visa to visit Ireland become any easier?

It will, very soon. The staff responsible for issuing visas is now stationed in the Irish Embassy in New Delhi so now visa applications will be managed on location with the result that things will happen quicker than they already do since previously, visa applications had to be sent back to Ireland for processing.

How well do Indian travel agents know Ireland?

We've done a number of familiarisation trips for the travel agent community, following which we have seen an increase in both the awareness about the destination and consequently more Indian tourists visiting. In fact, at the party on Saturday following the inauguration of the TAAI convention, one agent actually sought me out regarding an inquiry for golf tourism as the Ryder Cup is due to be held in Ireland in 2006. It's a great sign of things to come.

Is there a possibility of direct flights between key Indian metros and Dublin in the future?

Air Lingus is looking to add more long-haul destinations to its network. Already Gulf Air has linked Bahrain and Ireland with direct flights.

How important is Bollywood in your promotion?

I foresee Bollywood playing a key role in enhancing the visibility of Ireland in the Indian social landscape and on a broader level, we have to get more Indians to cite the cultural similarity and the underlying appeal of that using song and dance and other expressions. The traditional similarities need to be brought to the forefront.

Any significant, upcoming events with regard to tourism, which you will be organining in India?

In what will be a historic event, Bertie Ahern, the Prime Minister of Ireland will be in India in January 2006 and tourism-related events will feature very prominently on his agenda throughout his visits to Mumbai and Delhi.