The President of Ireland touches down in Aus

If you didn’t know Ireland had a president – you do now.

Michael D. Higgins is his name – and visiting Australia and New Zealand is (currently) his game.

The State Visit has kicked off in Australia – and is focusing on deepening and expanding Ireland’s ties with Australia.

The aim is to strengthen economic, tourism, cultural and political links between us and our mates on the other side of the world.

Since he touched down in Australia, Higgins has met Irish communities in Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane; and also met with key representatives of the worlds of business, tourism, sport, academia, culture and the arts.

We just hope he has time to relax on Bondi beach or eat his way through Melbourne’s brunch scene in between all those meetings.

But as any president knows, you can always combine meetings with food – which is exactly what Higgins did last week at a business luncheon hosted by Tourism Ireland.

It even included some sightseeing in the botanical gardens (where it was held).

The president met with leading figures of the Australian travel industry including travel trade, airline representatives, and travel journalists.

He delivered an inspirational speech highlighting the deep historical connection between Australia and Ireland.

Tourism Ireland Trade & Media Lunch with President of Ireland Michael D Higgins & Sabina Higgins at The Calyx, Sydney - Friday 20th October, 2017

Higgins talked about Ireland’s tourism industry and the relationship between the visitor and the visited, plus how Ireland is making sure they look after both – “efficiency should never defeat hospitality”.

There was also music from Irish band Ye Vegabonds and, of course, a ton of delicious food.

Tourism Ireland Trade & Media Lunch with President of Ireland Michael D Higgins & Sabina Higgins at The Calyx, Sydney - Friday 20th October, 2017

Sofia Hansson, Tourism Ireland Manager Australia and New Zealand, said that Ireland visitor numbers from Australia and New Zealand have gone up over 17.5 per cent since last year – and thanked the president for being part of the event.

“We were delighted to host the President of Ireland Mr. Michael D. Higgins at this special event to help us deliver the message about the many great reasons to visit the island of Ireland this year.

“The President’s visit highlights Ireland’s ancestral and cultural ties to Australia,” she said.

The President also mentioned that Ireland is a big contender to host the Rugby World Cup in 2023.

Rugby has emerged in recent decades as one of Ireland’s most successful and most popular sports, and should the bid be successful, the tournament will be played across the island of Ireland. Yet another reason to visit!

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Michael D. Higgins President of Ireland tourism ireland