Fáilte Ireland today welcomed a €500k revenue boost for Limerick as it was announced that Ireland will play host to the World BBQ Association World Championship 2017, the largest international BBQ competition. 100 teams from across the globe will compete for the ultimate titles of World Grand Champion and Reserve World Grand Champion.
Welcoming the news and speaking about the event, Miriam Kennedy from Fáilte Ireland said: “Having beaten off stiff competition from Rome, we are delighted that Dublin was chosen as the 2017 host destination. This event will bring together the best bbq’ers in the world ranging from Michelin starred chefs to backyard enthusiasts. Once again Ireland will be on the world stage when it comes to hosting international events.”
The event will take place in the People’s Park in Limerick City from October 13-15 and will welcome teams from South America, Africa, Europe, the USA, India and Australia. Generating bednights of over 1200, the event is expected to bring a boost of half a million Euro to the economy.
Tony Brazil Chairman, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau added: “Not only is this a great honour for the region, and Ireland as a whole, but it will provide a substantial economic boost for Limerick. We expect competitors and spectators to extend their stay around the event to see our wonderful Wild Atlantic Way and all the region has to offer. It will provide great opportunities for businesses of all kinds if they prepare for it and make our international visitors welcome. Creating this experience of a lifetime, can in turn attract larger numbers of visitors in the long term, from word of mouth.”
The support of the World BBQ Championship is just one of a number of events that Fáilte Ireland is working on to build Ireland’s ‘event island’ reputation internationally as well as ensuring the hosting of compelling events of scale in the off-season.
Indeed, through Event Ireland – a new team set up within Fáilte Ireland to identify, bid for and win events for Ireland – a further 14 international events have been secured for the next 5 years totaling over 40,000 international participants/spectators and estimated revenue of €30 million.
