Coffey encourages people to visit Waterford as national tourism numbers rise by 7.4%

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has said the increase in tourism figures of 7.4% in the first three months of 2013 compared to the same time last year will have a positive impact on the entire Irish economy. Deputy Coffey outlined the critical role the services sector is playing in Ireland’s recovery, saying that the number of tourists visiting Ireland will lead to more business opportunities which will generate additional income for every town and village.

“Tourism numbers in the first quarter of 2013 have increased by almost 90,000 when compared to the same period last year. The great thing about the tourism product in Ireland is that it is not centred on any one particular area but benefits all regions and all areas, including Waterford.

“Waterford has a fantastic tourism product; it is Ireland’s oldest city, and has recently opened the Viking Triangle in the city. Along the same road is the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre, renowned worldwide. The city has a host of fantastic hotels, bars, restaurants and cafés, which are amongst the best in the country. Indeed, last year the Granville Hotel was named Ireland’s Hotel of Year.

“As well as being Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford is also the city where the Irish tricolour was first flown by Thomas Francis Meagher; whose sword was gifted to the city by his great, great grandson this year and is now on display at the newly opened Waterford Treasures Museum.

“Outside of Waterford city there are fantastic heritage towns and villages such as Portlaw and Lismore. There are fantastic coastline villages like Ardmore and Tramore, with Clonea Strand and Tramore both currently designated blue flag beaches. Dunmore East has been long-listed by judges in the Irish Times Best Place to Holiday in Ireland Competition. There are amazing scenic walks throughout the Comeragh Mountains which include the villages of Ballymacarbry and Rathgormack, with many other outdoor pursuits, including visiting the Suir and Blackwater River Estuaries both of which possess stunning natural beauty.

“This year we will host the annual Sproai festival and the Waterford Food Harvest Festival, and we have already seen the huge success of the Dungarvan Food Festival just a few weeks ago. The Sean Kelly Tour will return later this year, as will the hugely successful Winterval Festival, which is Ireland’s only Christmas festival in the city. Waterford has so much to offer people when they come and visit and I would encourage people to invite their friends and family who live abroad to come and visit Waterford city and county during this, the year of The Gathering.”
Ends