Ireland Named the Friendliest Place on Earth

Market Wire, October, 2007

Ireland has topped the list of the World's Friendliest Vacation destinations in the new edition of "Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008," the annual title which captures the best in travel for the coming year.

"The Bluelist," which is now in its third year, is a collection of the world's hottest trends, destinations, journeys and experiences from around the world.

According to Lonely Planet the Emerald Isle tops the list of Friendliest Places because of its "deliciously dark sense of humour" and "welcoming attitude towards strangers." There is also praise for "That famous ability of the Irish -- to find craic in boom or bust times."

Mr. Joe Byrne, Executive Vice President in the United States for Tourism Ireland, said: "It is a great boost when such a prestigious publication as the "Lonely Planet Bluelist 2008" deems Ireland to be the world's friendliest vacation destination. We work very hard to ensure that those who choose to visit Ireland receive the warm welcome for which we are famous. This is a wonderful endorsement of that welcome. Our greatest natural resource is our people and we are immensely proud of the fact that Ireland is a place where visitors leave as friends and this accolade reinforces to us what visitors have been telling us for years. Add to this, of course, our stunning scenery, wonderful heritage and luxury accommodations and you can see why Ireland has become a must-visit destination. It has never been easier to make the trip across the Atlantic with direct flights from an increasing number of US cities and we look forward to welcoming visitors from the US who will be able to experience for themselves -- the friendliest place on earth."

Press Contact: Ms. Ruth Moran (212) 418 0832