08.07.2014
 
IRISH HOTELS FEDERATION STATEMENT – GARTH BROOKS CONCERTS
Shambolic Situation Has Caused Untold Damage to Irish Tourism
 
8th July 2014: The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) states that the cancellation of all five Garth Brooks concerts has dealt a severe blow to Irish tourism and will have a direct impact on hundreds of tourism businesses in Dublin and further afield. 
 
Stephen McNally, President of the IHF says: “The shambolic situation we now find ourselves in with the cancellation of all five concerts is nothing short of a disaster for our tourism industry. We have 400,000 people who had planned to visit Dublin now left disappointed - many of whom will stay at home. The knock on effect in terms of reputational damage is extremely negative for Ireland and how we are viewed by potential overseas visitors.” 
 
“The Garth Brooks concerts represented a major tourism event this year with huge interest both at home and from overseas visitors, particularly from the UK and rest of Europe. We estimate that over 70,000 people from overseas planned to attend and many of these will have intended to travel outside of Dublin as part of an extended trip. So the impact will also be felt further afield across the country.” 
 
“This situation was entirely avoidable,” adds Mr McNally. “Major events like this cannot be left to chance. The Government now needs to ensure that this situation does not arise again and put in place a workable approval process for future concerts and events.” 
 
ENDS
FOR INFORMATION:
Eoin Quinn                                                                      Tel: +353 (01) 6798600 
Weber Shandwick                                                          +353 (0) 87 233 2191 
 
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