The Government’s International Sports Tourism Initiative, co-ordinated by Bord Fáilte – Irish Tourist Board, has announced new structures for public private partnership in staging major international sports events in Ireland.
At a luncheon in Dublin hosted by Dr. James McDaid TD., Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation and Mr. Niall Reddy, Acting Chief Executive, Bord Fáilte Irish Tourist Board and at which Dr. Michael Smurfit, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson Smurfit Group PLC, also spoke, it was outlined to Ireland’s business leaders and marketers how they can support the scheme.
The International Sports Tourism Initiative, pioneered by Minister McDaid in 2000, targets International Sports Federations and Sports Events Organisers with a view to bringing to Ireland prestigious events with the capacity to highlight the merits of Ireland as a leading sports tourism destination.
Some upcoming examples of the success of Ireland’s Sports Tourism Initiative are the staging of the World Cross Country Championship at Leopardstown Racecourse in March; the FIA World Sportscar Championships at Mondello; the American Express World Golf Championship featuring Tiger Woods at Mount Juliet in September; the European Eventing Championships at Punchestown in 2003 and the Ryder Cup at the K Club in 2006.
Co-ordinators Bord Fáilte – Irish Tourist Board are to liaise with Ireland’s business community with a view to offering partnership sponsorship of major events in the future. Some high profile sports currently being targeted include the World Rally Championships; the Admirals Cup and the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship. Details of sponsorship opportunities were presented to the 150 plus who attended today’s luncheon.
Dr. James McDaid T.D., Irish Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation outlined the project when he said:
‘There is a natural relationship between the International Sports Tourism Initiative, which is being co-ordinated by Bord Fáilte and Ireland’s leading marketers. The Initiative offers unprecedented partnership opportunities, to national and international companies, who wish to associate themselves in the world’s shop window with some of the most exciting and prestigious sporting events in the world.
I have no doubt that the proven formula of public private partnership, as shown by the securing of the now annual Murphy’s Irish Open and Smurfit European Open, the 2006 Ryder Cup and the 2003 Special Olympics World Games, can be applied to other sports such as rugby, soccer, equestrian, swimming, water sports, and athletics with equal success.’
Dr. Michael W. J. Smurfit, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Jefferson Smurfit Group PLC said:
‘The investment in the Smurfit European Open has yielded spectacular results. Every year more and more overseas visitors experience the splendor of the K Club for the first time. They return to their homes greatly impressed that modern Ireland can offer a resort to match any of its type in the world. This in itself should be a source of pride for more than just those of us who are directly involved’
Mr. Niall Reddy, Acting Chief Executive, Bord Fáilte – Irish Tourist Board said:
‘Working together with Irish business, we can bring major international sporting events to Ireland, which will help Bord Fáilte increase Ireland’s sports tourism profile and help Corporate Ireland market their companies and brands at home and abroad.’
For further information please contact:
John Corcoran, Slattery PR
Tel 01 6614055, Mobile 086 6086671
Email: jcorcoran@slatterypr.ie