Denver Delegation’s Visit to Dublin Strengthens Economic and Tourism Ties

Thank you to the WTC Denver for inviting the WTC Dublin to join the Denver delegation's visit to Dublin to celebrate the inaugural nonstop flight service by Aer Lingus between Denver and Dublin. The delegation, which included the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Denver Airport, and Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, successfully hosted two remarkable events this May, highlighting the potential for increased collaboration and economic growth between these regions.

On May 15th, the Guinness Storehouse set the stage for an insightful event focused on sustainable initiatives and innovation within the food, beverage, and agriculture sectors. World Trade Center Dublin members and partners John Ging from BallyKeefe Distillery, Aoibheann O'Brien from FoodCloud, and Bronagh Conlon from Listoke Distillery delivered engaging presentations. John Ging discussed the distillery's sustainability practices and commitment to environmental stewardship. Aoibheann O'Brien shared inspiring insights on how FoodCloud combats food waste through innovative redistribution efforts. Bronagh Conlon captivated the audience with her discussion on sustainable distillation processes and the importance of local sourcing.

Alex De Martini of Haskell Companies provided sponsor remarks, highlighting the firm's commitment to delivering innovative architecture, engineering, and construction solutions that generate the greatest return on investment for its clients. The event concluded with closing remarks from J. J. Ament of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, emphasizing the mutual benefits of increased cooperation and the promising future of Dublin-Denver relations.

The celebration continued on May 16th with a grand reception to honor Aer Lingus's inaugural nonstop flight service between Dublin and Denver. Hosted by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Denver Airport, and Denver Economic Development & Opportunity, the event underscored the significance of this new direct flight in strengthening economic ties.

During the reception, Reid Moody, Chief Strategy & Planning Officer at Aer Lingus, likened the route between Dublin and Denver to a long romance, noting that plans for this route date back to 2017. He explained that even without a direct service, a hundred people travel between Denver and Dublin each way every day. Moody emphasized that "the opportunities for Ireland, Colorado, and the rest of Europe will increase exponentially with the direct service."

President and CEO of Visit Denver, Richard Scharf, added to the sentiment by highlighting the broader impact of travel. "We know travel gives us a small and more connected world. And we also know that it brings people together. We get to learn; we get to collaborate… It's not just about economic opportunities; it's also about cultural opportunities between Colorado and Ireland for many years to come. And economic opportunities are about relationship building; it's a people business."

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston shared a personal connection, mentioning his ancestral history, with both sides of his family having emigrated from Ireland. Passionate about his Irish heritage, Johnston views this link as supporting Denver's goal to be one of the most substantial economic cities in the United States. He emphasized that Ireland is a top growth market for trade and investment opportunities in Denver, with significant potential for increased collaboration, bilateral exchange, and communication due to this new service.

Denver's visiting delegation, including Mayor Johnston and prominent business and civic leaders, joined Dublin's leaders in a vibrant networking opportunity. The reception provided a platform for exploring potential business opportunities and fostering bilateral exchange and communication. Attendees could engage directly with the visiting delegation, enhancing the prospects for future collaborations.

Both events were resounding successes, drawing attention from critical stakeholders in Dublin and Denver. The discussions and networking opportunities paved the way for future collaborations, emphasizing the shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

The World Trade Center Dublin extends its gratitude to all participants and looks forward to building on the momentum generated by these events. The inaugural nonstop flight by Aer Lingus represents not just a new travel route but a gateway to enhanced trade and investment opportunities between Ireland and Denver.

Thank you to all who contributed, especially Karen Gerwitz, President & CEO of WTC Denver, to making these events successful. We look forward to many future opportunities.