Hoteliers Seek Preservation of Waterford Crystal for Ireland
IHF Calls for Protection of Iconic Irish Brand and Vital Tourism Driver

6 January 2009

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today called for decisive Government intervention to ensure that the Waterford Crystal brand is safeguarded and the visitor centre at Kilbarry continues to operate as a major tourist attraction. The Federation stated that it is essential that Ireland protects brands such as Waterford Crystal which have an important association with our national identity.

Matthew Ryan, President, IHF, said, “Given the tourism benefits accrued from Waterford Crystal’s international status, we must leave no stone unturned to ensure this valuable asset is preserved for Ireland. Any solution must see the continuation of a crystal manufacturing operation in Waterford along with the visitor centre. The loss of such an iconic Irish brand would have a hugely negative impact on tourism in the South East, and every effort must be made to ensure its survival.”

As an internationally renowned quality product, Waterford Crystal, together with brands such as Guinness, Kerrygold and Jameson and locations such as Killarney, Blarney and Galway, plays a hugely important role in communicating the quality of experiences Ireland has to offer holiday makers. These iconic brands, together with the experiences of visitors who have come to Ireland, are among the strongest tools we have in marketing Ireland abroad as an attractive destination.

“The implications for tourism can not be overstated. As one of Ireland’s key visitor attractions, the Waterford Crystal visitor centre welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year, over half of whom come from the US. It is a major driver of tourism in the South East region and provides holiday makers with a compelling reason to visit the area. It is vital that the Government, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland work closely with Waterford Crystal to ensure that Ireland continues to benefit from such a quality Irish brand.”

ENDS

FOR INFORMATION:

Siobhan Molloy / Eoin Quinn Tel: 01 6760168
Weber Shandwick Mobile: 086 8175066 / 087 2332191