Billionaire Plans $100 Vouchers To Tempt Tourists To Ireland

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Dec 15th 2009 at 7:01PM

Billionaire Chuck Feeney has spread his philanthropy around the world as far as Australia and his latest plan is to help boost Irish tourism. The Irish-American philanthropist is working on a plan to give $100 vouchers to American tourists who visit Ireland. According to the London Times, tourism minister Martin Cullen said that Feeney got in touch with him after the Global Irish Economic Forum in Farmleigh, where business people got together to discuss the economy.

Feeney made his money through duty free products and in 1982 he set up Atlantic Philanthropies, which gives money to initiatives in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as other places. Ireland's tourism industry slipped along with the rest of the world in 2009, falling by 12 percent. The vouchers which have a total value of up to $5 million, would be used for discount flights and hotel stays and could boost tourism numbers by 50,000.

Tags: atlantic philanthropies, AtlanticPhilanthropies, billionaire, chuck feeney, ChuckFeeney, ireland, tourism

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Big Givers

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

vicki Dec 16th 2009 9:06PM

I think that is great would love to see Ireland!

vzet51p6 Dec 16th 2009 9:48PM

Oh, you're so cool Vicki. Get over yourself.

Lorenzo Lopez Dec 16th 2009 10:01PM

Yes, that's great. But, how about the non-American tourists, Asians for one? Aside from traveling, they're also big spenders at the Duty Free Shops in countries they've visited.

hookmrl Dec 16th 2009 10:51PM

a 100 bucks that would not last 10 minutes,cheap skate

Gwen Dec 16th 2009 9:51PM

that's amazing! that would indeed help the tourism industry of Ireland.

vzet51p6 Dec 16th 2009 10:08PM

Give me a break, Gwen. Why don't you marry the tourism industry of Ireland if you love it so much. Sheesh . . .

Teresa Dec 16th 2009 10:24PM

Please $100 isn't going to make any difference in my ability to finance a trip! I'd have already been if I could afford it.
Nice thought - but completely unrealistic. Those who can pay for a trip don't need the $100.

jade244994j Dec 16th 2009 10:49PM

I agree with Teresa....... if you have $5,000 for a trip to Ireland, then I don't think the $100 makes much of a difference there, but nice thought! It's a marketing sheme/scam, so when you get off of the plane/boat/camel you will spend the $100 in the "duty free" shops, so he gets his money back.... pretty smart!

scott Dec 16th 2009 10:38PM

just look at the exchange rate and you wil lose the 100 dollars the first day.

T Dec 16th 2009 11:42PM

$100.00 is a nice gesture but also a joke! Ireland is the second most expensive country to visit! A 100.00 bill will get you a cup of coffee and a bowl of hagis! Yuck!

hacker Dec 17th 2009 12:54AM

You gotta be kidding, 100.00 for 900.00 fare. and the prices keep your dollars and I'LL STAY HOME AND SPEND IT IT IN THE USA.

Tabby Dec 17th 2009 1:35AM

I'm sorry but I have to agree with most of the posts. If he really wanted to help 'boost' tourism, why not make it worth while for some people and pay for a flight. I'm part Irish and would love to visit, but $100.00 isn't going to entice me or make a difference in my ability to make that trip. Why not give away airline tickets or $2,500.00 to each person who decided to take him up on the 'deal'? THEN it might be worth it and more people would visit the that lovely country.

I think his intention may have been good, but very short sighted.

Robert Edwards Dec 17th 2009 1:43AM

So WHY do we Need to know u r GAY?

James Dec 17th 2009 3:37AM

A HUNDRED BUCKS ? IN EUROS THATS ABOUT 75 BUCKS. AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO MEAN SPIT WHEN YOU HAVE TO PAY $2500. FOR THE TRIP !

All Winners LOVE Winners Dec 17th 2009 4:36AM

Oh those Generous BILLIONAIRES...Stay BLESSED!

Lia Dec 17th 2009 5:39AM

I would love to visit Ireland, but $100 wouldn't be near enough to make that trip a reality for my husband and me. It's a nice gesture, but the people who really need it can't use it.

pattimelt95 Dec 17th 2009 12:39PM

A friend and her family already have plans to go to Ireland in the spring. Where can they sign up for this $100???

Karliss Dec 17th 2009 4:55PM

As an economically challenged person who has a trip planned for Ireland next September, I think every penny can help! It is a wonderful gesture and more people should be appreciative for any amount of help. He is at least trying something to promote tourism for his country. Keep up the good work!