![MINISTER MICHAEL RING LAUNCHES NEW “GATHERING” APP](https://donegalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/GATHERING-APP-460x306.jpg)
TWENTY tourism businesses from around Donegal are being promoted to international visitors on a brand new app for iPhones and android devices.
The app, called ‘Gathering Gestures’, has been created by Tourism Ireland specifically for The Gathering Ireland 2013 and offers a wide variety of ‘gestures’ to ensure our international visitors get more from their holiday here and an extra special welcome in this year of The Gathering.
To date, hundreds of tourism organisations from around Ireland – including 20 enterprises around Donegal – have registered their “gestures” for the new app, to demonstrate their appreciation to visitors for spending time with them during their holiday in Ireland.
Examples of the ‘gestures’ being offered by local tourism businesses include complimentary tea or coffee and home baking on arrival at B&Bs like Stranorlar Country House, Murvagh Links Manor and The Cove Lodge in Donegal town; a complimentary cocktail or ‘mocktail’ for visitors to Redcastle Golf & Spa Hotel; and there’s a host of other added-value experiences like a guided farm walk at Trean House on the Inishowen Peninsula.
The app is now live – on the international app store – and is free for people around the world to download before they arrive here. Tourism Ireland is promoting the app to prospective visitors through its website, Ireland.com – reaching more than 11 million potential visitors around the globe. The app will also be highlighted on thegatheringireland.com.
The Gathering Ireland is a key focal point of all Tourism Ireland’s promotional activity around the globe in 2013, particularly in countries with a strong Diaspora connection – including Great Britain, the US, Canada and Australia.
The Gathering offers an outstanding opportunity to connect with our Diaspora and most importantly, to give them a compelling reason to visit Ireland ‘now’ and Tourism Ireland has a busy programme of promotions under way to capitalise fully on that opportunity.
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “The Gathering Ireland is all about playing to our strengths – Ireland is known the world over for the warmth of our welcome. Every business, no matter how large or small, can play a role in making 2013 our most important year yet for tourism. Our ‘Gathering Gestures’ app is an ideal way to demonstrate our warm welcome and our appreciation of visitors from around the world. We have a busy programme of promotions under way throughout 2013, placing the spotlight on the many great festivals and events taking place in Donegal and right around Ireland as part of The Gathering. Our message is that there has never been a better time to visit.”
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