Between Ireland and CARIFORUM. Political, social and commercial linkages between CARIFORUM countries and Ireland have not been historically strong. Even today, Ireland does not have embassies in Caribbean countries and relations are handled from New York or Ottawa (although there is representation in Trinidad & Tobago by way of an Honorary Counsel). Whilst Enterprise Ireland has 31 offices overseas, none of these are either located in, or serve directly, the Caribbean Region. On contacting the trade representatives in the Irish Embassy in London, no data was available on trading between Eire and any of the CARIFORUM countries. Furthermore, direct air and shipping links from Ireland to the Caribbean region are still not significant, and routing continue to be through the metropolitan areas of the UK. That said, the Caribbean and Irish diaspora communities have interacted across the UK (and particularly in London) since the latter half of the 20th century. Additionally, there has been increased tourist traffic between Ireland and certain Caribbean countries in recent decades – and, therefore, greater Irish exposure to these markets. Ireland therefore already has an awareness of the region – and a few of its companies have some presence, limited though it is, in different 124 Destatis, Dienstleistungsbereich, Datenreport 2006 countries in the Caribbean. Successful ventures such as Digicel can only but increase the affiliation and interest in the region as a place to do business. Furthermore, Ireland has repeatedly been held up by Caribbean Business organizations and individuals as a way to achieving successful economic and business development. In 2006/7, the Jamaican Tourism Ministry said it would be targeting the Irish as part of efforts to increase visitor arrivals, with focus placed on promoting events that appeal to the party- and sport-loving market. Addressing the launch of 'Irish-fest' at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston, then Tourism Minister Xxxxx X’xxxxxx Xxxxxxx said market research and intelligence indicated that the Irish market could translate into high visitor arrivals to Jamaica. "We realised that the number of Irish nationals visiting Jamaica rose healthily in 2006, with approximately 33% more tourists from Britain and Ireland making the trip in August last year, compared to the same period in 2005," she said. (Jamaican Observer – Feb 27, 2007). What has transpired since then is not clear. However, tourism and travel is an obvious service sector with potential for joi...
