Ireland tops leading World travel guide poll

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by Michael O'Neill

Some good news for Irish travel service providers emerged at the World Travel Market at London's Excel Centre today as Ireland has been voted 'favourite holiday destination' for 2011 in a global poll by prestigious travel guidebook series Frommer's, beating Paris into second place.

Almost one-third of readers of Frommer's guidebooks chose Ireland as their favourite holiday destination for next year over other destinations including Hawaii, Australia, Egypt, Italy, Germany, New Zealand, Greece, Paris and Alaska. More than 7,300 ballots were cast for the awards.

Commenting on the award, Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: "I am delighted that Ireland has been singled out for this accolade.

Again and again, our research shows us that, in addition to our friendly people, our beautiful scenery and our natural, unspoilt environment are some of our unique selling points and hold huge appeal for people in our main markets overseas.

To be ranked number one by Frommer's readers - ahead of destinations like Paris, New Zealand, Italy and Germany - shows how highly Ireland is regarded.

"Tourism Ireland has been working hard to increase awareness of the island of Ireland as a top holiday destination and to keep Ireland 'top of mind' for people around the world who can be persuaded to take a holiday or short break.

Anything that gives us 'stand-out' for the fight-back to growth in 2011 will help get us more traction in our overseas markets where economies and travel patterns are beginning to improve."

Voters' comments praised Ireland's spectacular landscape, history and opportunities to ramble and explore.