7 days ago
Dublin on shortlist for Rotary International Convention
Dublin has been confirmed as a finalist among a pool of four cities to host the Rotary International Convention in 2029 or 2031.
If Rotary Ireland's bid is successful, the event could bring up to 20,000 visitors to Dublin.
Dublin's rivals for the convention, which attracts visitors from up to 200 countries, include Barcelona, Cairo and New Delhi.
The decision to provisionally nominate two cities to host the convention in 2029 and 2031 will be made in January by Rotary International's Board of Directors.
Rotary Ireland District Governor Seamus Parle said the economic benefits of the convention would not be confined to Dublin, with thousands of visitors likely to combine their trip to the convention with a holiday and a longer visit to Ireland.
"If our bid is successful, it will provide a huge boost to the local economy with an average of 20,000 to 30,000 hotel room nights with knock on support for bars, restaurants, retailers and tourism," Mr Parle said.
"After the convention concludes we know most attendees will stay in Ireland for a holiday and visit the many attractions Ireland has to offer. This will generate substantial economic benefits for the country as a whole," he added.
Rotary Ireland's bid is being supported by Fáilte Ireland's Dublin Convention Bureau.
Seamus Parle said members are working extremely hard with the business community and other state agencies to secure funds through sponsorships to offset the running costs of the event, particularly the venue, which will be the RDS.
"We would dearly love to host Rotary International's 119th convention in 2029 or its 121st convention in 2031. While Rotary Ireland has a very proud history of service - Dublin Rotary Club, which dates back to 1911, was the first to be established outside of North America - we have never actually hosted the International Rotary Convention," he said.
Conventions run for five days and include workshop, forums, breakout sessions, and entertainment. Speakers at previous conventions have included UN General Secretary General António Guterres, Microsoft founder Bill Gates and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Rotary Ireland has 67 clubs and 1,500 members all over the island of Ireland.
The organisation brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges and creating lasting change.
It connects 1.2 million people of action from more than 45,000 Rotary clubs in almost every country in the world.
