Madam, – Theo Dorgan ( September 24th) tells us that the Department of Arts and Culture has much statistical detail about the synergy between tourism and culture. I can vouch for that.
When visitors join me and colleagues to toast the literary greats of Dublin they invariably ask two questions at the end: “Where can we get something to eat?” and “Can you recommend good theatre in the city?” In 21 years, I have often been asked by restaurants and pubs to recommend their houses in return for a discount. I have yet to get a call from a subsidised theatre to offer an incentive for my culture-loving customers to attend their show.
We can talk about synergy between the arts and tourism, but let’s see some action. – Yours, etc,