No one can throw a party like the Irish. Last week I was so honored to attend two special charitable and media events as a guest of Tourism Ireland. The first was the Best of Ireland gala to benefit the Children’s Medical Research Foundation. Special guest Graeme McDowell, world-renowned golfer, was on hand. There was a heated auction — I participated and won nothing — which raised a great deal for research and care specializing in children’s cancer, diabetes and cystic fibrosis.  It was a wonderful evening with enthusiastic and heart-warming speeches.

The second was a lunch hosted by Tourism Ireland for the kick-off of the Jump Into Ireland advertising and marketing campaign.

Twelve percent of all visitors to Ireland are from North America, but we represent 20 percent of their total revenue. “We love Americans,” said Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland. It is true that “Americans have always been welcome by the natives of this island.” Americans on average spend more, hire drivers and stay at top hotels over other visitors.

There are a lot of exciting events coming to Ireland, including the Irish Open and The Notre Dame vs. Navy game on September 1 in Dublin. Enda Kenny, Ireland’s prime minister, was also on hand to discuss the economic turmoil that Ireland and the world has faced and what they have done to address it. The Irish reduced value-added taxes, which directly results in lower rates (taxes) for travelers. The target from North America is 1 million visitors and $1 billion in spending from these guests.  That is about a 10 percent increase over the projected figures from 2011.

Joe Byrne, executive VP for Tourism Ireland in North America, introduced the new marketing approach — Jump into Ireland.  “The desire to go to Ireland is great; they have a terrific brand image and stuck with their marketing efforts even during these turbulent times.” Tourism Ireland wants to do what it can to encourage those who have not been to go in 2012.  After all the encouraging speeches, we were entertained by The Gathering, an Irish musical and dance group.  It could not have been more exciting or entertaining!

I am off to Belfast over Easter and look forward to my visit to Titanic Belfast and other wonderful attractions.  Make sure you check out our bonus edition on Northern Ireland polybagged with the April issue of Global Traveler!

— Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO