TAKING STOCK

It’s not just the end of the year and start of a new one but the end of a decade also. In the first nine months of 2019, we welcomed 8.4 million overseas tourists. In 2009, across the whole year the total was 6.6 million. Of course, Ireland was in the grip of a global economic downturn at the time. However, all the indicators are we may be close to peak in terms of numbers. While we’re playing catch-up in terms of accommodation, it is also coming at the potential cost of blighting emerging culture as practitioners struggle to secure spaces and afford rent in what is an expensive country.

A decade ago, this editor was about to embark on an online culture project whereby we curated a selection of events we felt worthy of our subscribers attention each week. We also highlighted and showcased creatives who were making their mark on the city and had chosen not to emigrate at the height of the recession. We went on to launch a walking tour whereby everyone on it had to entrust this writer to share experiences and insights on ‘living’ culture. This side of tourism has mushroomed internationally in the last decade. Everyone seeks experience, something more, added value, the inside track. And, as always, people are the forefront on those encounters and interactions.

It is crucial we keep our capital attractive to those who wish to reside and work here as much as those who wish to visit it. For, if we fail in the former, the reprecussions for the later will be felt too.

Wishing you safe travels and the very best for 2020.