DUBLIN - January 28, 2011 - The Convention Centre Dublin welcomed the new tourism initiative announced today by the Tourism Opportunity Coalition to increase visitors to Ireland. Members of the coalition include the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC), employers group IBEC, Chambers Ireland and the Irish Farmers Association.

Key elements of the initiative include placing a stronger focus on the marketing of Ireland as a tourist destination and providing better value for money for visitors. The goal is to have 8 million visitors to Ireland by 2015, which would generate $6.2 billion in revenue and 20,000 extra jobs while sustaining the existing 180,000 jobs in the industry.