Where Are All the Irish?

A list of the Irish regional tourism groups represented at Milwaukee Irish Fest 2010.

I recently penned a Letter to the Editor to select Irish newspapers. Since there’s no guarantee they’ll post it, I thought I’d post it here as well. Have a read…

Dear Editor,

Last weekend I attended Irish Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was surprised and disappointed by the almost nonexistent representation of Irish regional tourism at the 30th anniversary of the largest festival of Irish culture in North America.

Aside from Tourism Ireland, only County Clare was present to promote the Republic. In contrast, Northern Ireland sent representatives from Belfast, Newry and Mourne, Down, Banbridge and the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Gone are the days when the Spirit of Galway took over an entire caravan-turned-tourist office at the festival… when Kerry and Cork lured visitors with gorgeous coastal images… when Tipperary sent their craftspeople to show the county’s homegrown talent… when Visit Dublin delivered their most energetic representatives to display the city’s youthful vibe. Instead, visitors were shown three choices – a grab bag of highlights from Discover Ireland, the vast offerings of the North and the diversity of County Clare. All worthy destinations, but certainly not the end-all in Irish travel.

Having spent the month of July in Ireland, I was even more discouraged hearing Clare criticized for their North American trip. I realize difficult economic times are upon us, but expecting regional tourism to close up shop and rely on Tourism Ireland to do the heavy lifting is not a recipe for success — they have an entire island to promote.

I also heard some folks citing recent travel abuses in the Irish government as validation for keeping tourism reps home. I’m afraid that finger is being pointed in the wrong direction. Anyone who saw the reps in Milwaukee working long hours with hot, humid afternoons and an intense Friday-night rainstorm would be hard-pressed to consider their travels excessive or a luxury of any kind… especially considering the volume of prospective tourists they met.

For those promoting regional tourism in Ireland, it is vital they look for outlets, such as Milwaukee’s large festival, where they will come in direct contact with visitors who will be making travel decisions in the next 12 months. No one can sell an area like a local, and would-be tourists love hearing the Irish talk about home.

And while I’m on my soapbox, could the Irish people please refrain from using the phrase “rip-off Ireland” as if it is commonly used outside Ireland? The term appears every time someone brings up slumping tourism. Fact is, Americans don’t use that phrase, despite what Irish radio hosts and callers are saying. Americans are more direct and say “rip-off car rental” or “rip-off airline.” Crying “Rip-off Ireland” leaves no one to hold responsible, and in this climate, we aren’t letting anyone off the hook.

Regards,
Corey Taratuta

www.IrishFireside.com — www.twitter.com/irishfireside