Some organisations make strange appointments, often bringing in someone from overseas when the right person is sitting right under their very nose.
Well congratulations to Tourism Ireland for recognising the right person was right under their nose in deservedly appointing Orla Saul as Manager of Tourism Ireland for Australia and NZ, taking over from the dynamic and charismatic Monica Nearney who has taken up a senior post back in Dublin with Failte Ireland, Ireland’s National Development Authority.
Monica has left big shoes for Olra to fill, but Orla has worked with Monica for Tourism Ireland in Sydney for the past five years, as a critical member of the Tourism Ireland team and there is no doubt whatsoever that Orla is more than up to the tasks ahead.
Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday destination Orla says, “With strong economies and high consumer confidence it is an exciting time to be leading Tourism Ireland’s operations in Australia and NZ.”
“It is vital that we exploit these excellent conditions and produce innovative marketing activities with our trade partners particularly in the area of digital marketing“.
Orla is originally from Dublin and moved to Australia over seven years ago, initially joining Tourism Ireland as Trade & Promotions Manager in 2002 and then moved into the role of Marketing & Communications Manager in 2005.
Planning for 2008 is in its final stages and Tourism Ireland will continue to shift further resources online in 2008 and beyond. The remainder of 2007 is jam-packed with a number of earlybird and online campaigns.
Ireland is continuing to enjoy success in visitor numbers from Australia with recent stats showing that Australia & NZ is up 7% year to date on 2006.
In 2006, Ireland welcomed over 170,000 Australians and New Zealanders.
Congratulations Orla from the Mole!
A Report by The Mole
