Thursday, 14th December 2006

2011 SOLHEIM CUP MAJOR TOURISM COUP
Secures Ireland as Premier International Destination, IHF states

“Securing the 2011 Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Solheim Cup is a major coup for Irish tourism as it will build on the success of the Ryder Cup in promoting Ireland, and clearly position the country as an attractive international destination capable of hosting world class sporting events,” says Annette Devine, President, IHF.  “This three day event offers a tremendous opportunity to promote Ireland abroad and showcase our tourism offering on the international stage. There is a clear window of time to best promote Ireland to ensure the maximum potential for attracting overseas visitors to come here is realised.”

The ladies professional golf event is a biennial trans-Atlantic team matchplay competition and is considered the premier event in women's world golf.  The IHF applauded the Minister for Tourism, John O'Donoghue T.D., for his efforts in securing the event for Ireland. The IHF welcomed the funding allocated for the event which should ensure that Ireland’s staging of the Solheim Cup is a countrywide experience and that all areas of Ireland will benefit - not just those fortunate enough to be directly involved in this world class event.

“There is a strong onus on Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the Irish tourism industry as a whole to roll out a programme of events and activities which will leverage worldwide exposure of Ireland’s hosting of this prestigious event. The Solheim Cup is not just about a three day event, it is about Ireland’s ability and facilities to host one of the top sporting events in the world and allows us showcase the vast choice of 414 golf courses in Ireland suitable for all pockets and challenges,“ concludes Ms Devine.

ENDS

FOR INFORMATION:

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