Worldwide tourism push gets the green light for St Patrick’s Day
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten (12 March) switched the green lights on Niagara Falls, as part of this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Canada. Minister Naughten is in Canada as part of a “Promote Ireland” programme around St Patrick’s Day – helping to promote tourism to Ireland.
The famous falls are just one of hundreds of famous landmarks and iconic sites around the world which are set to light up green over the coming days, as part of Tourism Ireland’s annual Global Greening initiative to celebrate St Patrick and the island of Ireland.
Minister Naughten’s busy schedule also included an interview on The Weather Network, about some of the many great reasons for Canadians to visit Ireland; the interview will air later this week, on 16 and 17 March.
“We are delighted that Minister Naughton is in Canada this week, to help us deliver the message about the many great reasons to visit Ireland and to switch the green lights on Niagara Falls,” said Dana Welch, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Canada. “Our Global Greening initiative has gone from strength to strength, with numerous sites and buildings here in Canada taking part this year – including City Hall in Toronto, a polar bear habitat and a polar bear statue called ‘Chimo’ in the town of Cochrane, as well as the Wawa Goose – an 8.5 metre, metal goose statue, which stands along the TransCanada Highway outside the town of Wawa in northern Ontario.
“St Patrick’s Day traditionally marks the real start of the tourism season for us. Our aim is to bring a smile to Canada, and the rest of the world, this week and to convey the message that Ireland offers the warmest of welcomes and great fun, as well as fantastic scenery and cultural activities.”
