Tourism Ireland has welcomed the announcement by the Irish Government about the re-opening of travel to Ireland. Ireland plans to adopt the EU’s new Digital Covid Certificate on 19 July, meaning that travellers bearing the pass – which attests that the holder has either been vaccinated, has had a negative test for COVID-19 or has had the virus – will then be able to visit Ireland without the need for a test or quarantining.
And Northern Ireland has confirmed that GB visitors are now welcome and can holiday in Northern Ireland.
Tourism Ireland and the tourism industry in Ireland have been actively planning for the restart of international travel. It is now ready to roll out a significant promotional kick-start campaign to entice and welcome back international visitors.
Niall Gibbons, chief executive, Tourism Ireland, says: “This announcement is an extremely welcome and important step on the road to recovery for our industry in Ireland and our trade partners overseas. This will help protect thousands of jobs and livelihoods across the Irish tourism industry. For the first time in many months, we can look to the future with optimism.
“We know from our research that there is significant pent-up demand among travellers in our overseas markets to return to the island of Ireland as soon as possible. However, we also know that there will be significant competition in the marketplace; every destination across the globe has experienced the impact of COVID-19 and will be seeking their share of the recovery. Our kick-start campaign will punch through the noise and create an immediate desire to visit.
“Tourism Ireland know and understand how difficult the last year has been for our travel trade partners overseas. We very much value the business they generate for the island of Ireland and look forward to working with them to rebuild it in the months and years ahead. We are very appreciative for their ongoing support for Tourism Ireland and the tourism industry on the island of Ireland.”
