It has been confirmed that Dublin is a finalist among a pool of four cities to host the Rotary International Convention in 2029 or 2031, an event which could bring up to 20,000 visitors to the capital, if Rotary Ireland’s bid is successful.
Dublin’s rivals for the convention, which attracts visitors from up to 200 countries, include Barcelona, Cairo and New Delhi. The decision to provisionally nominate two cities to host the convention in 2029 and 2031 will be made in January by Rotary International’s Board of Directors.
The provisional selection is conditional based on the local Rotary members – in this case Rotary Ireland – satisfying the asset conditions outlined in the bid materials, including offsetting the costs of the venue rental.
Subject to satisfying these conditions, if Dublin makes it to the shortlist, it will be confirmed by the Rotary International Board 18 months in advance of the convention dates.
Rotary Ireland District Governor, Seamus Parle said the economic benefits would not be confined to Dublin, with thousands of visitors likely to combine their trip to the convention with a holiday and a longer visit to Ireland.
“If our bid is successful, it will provide a huge boost to the local economy with an average of 20,000 to 30,000 hotel room nights with knock on support for bars, restaurants, retailers and tourism. After the convention concludes we know most attendees will stay in Ireland for a holiday and visit the many attractions Ireland has to offer. This will generate substantial economic benefits for the country as a whole.”
Mr Parle pointed out that Rotary Ireland’s bid is being supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin Convention Bureau. He said members are working extremely hard with the business community and other state agencies to secure funds through sponsorships to offset the running costs of the event, particularly the venue, which will be the RDS.
“We would dearly love to host Rotary International’s 119th convention in 2029 or its 121st convention in 2031. While Rotary Ireland has a very proud history of service – Dublin Rotary Club, which dates back to 1911, was the first to be established outside of North America - we have never actually hosted the International Rotary Convention.”
“Along with the economic benefit hosting the convention would enable us to showcase to Ireland and a wide international audience the wonderful humanitarian work which Rotary International promotes through its global network of 45,000 clubs and 1.2 million members. This work includes promoting peace, fighting disease, supporting education projects and protecting the environment. Rotary Ireland with its 67 clubs and 1,500 members all over the island of Ireland has played and continues to play a leading role in that work.”
Conventions
Conventions run for five days and include workshop, forums, breakout sessions, and entertainment. Speakers at previous conventions have included UN General Secretary General António Guterres, philanthropist Bill Gates and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Typically, 200 Rotary humanitarian projects are on display at an international convention covering Rotary’s work in addressing polio, malaria, HIV/AIDS, poverty, hunger, illiteracy, the global water shortage and other challenges facing the world today. While the convention is mainly attended by Rotary members, non-members are welcome and there are opportunities for public-facing events. This year’s convention is taking place next month in Calgary, while next year’s will be hosted by Taiwan.
Presidential Visit
Coincidentally, the President of Rotary International Stephanie Urchick is visiting Ireland this week, the first visit by a President in over a decade. Ms Urchick who’s from Pennsylvania in the US will meet up to 200 members of Rotary Ireland at an event in Co. Meath on Wednesday. She will also visit Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man as part of her GB and Ireland tour.
Ms Urchick, who has served Rotary in numerous capacities, has participated in a variety of international service projects including national immunisation days in India and Nigeria, a school building project in Vietnam and a water purification project in the Dominican Republic.
A student of several Slavic languages she has also mentored new Rotary members in Ukraine and coordinated a Rotary Foundation grant for mammography equipment and a biopsy unit for a hospital in Poland.
