The cost of the Pope’s visit is estimated to cost in and around €32 million, mostly on security for both the Pontiff and the public attending the events.
Pope Francis is indeed a likable sort of fella, but the €32 million didn’t sit too well with many people who felt it was too much to spend on the World Meeting of Families event.
However, they failed to take into consideration the enormous opportunity this will be to showcase Ireland to the world.
Pope Francis’ visit will be broadcast around the world with possibly billions of people seeing some part of Ireland from a far.
The Liberal spoke to Pierce McGuire, a tourism and travel expert, who told us that the Pope’s visit will see millions of euro returning into the economy:
“Forget the fact that tens of thousands are traveling into Ireland for the visit, contemplate the fact that Pope Francis will be seen by hundreds of millions around the world, all of whom will fall in love with Ireland”.
“I can guarantee that the €32 million spent on this will be chicken feed compared to what we get back in from it in the not too distant future. Americans, British, Australians, Europeans, they’ll all love what Ireland has to offer and will see it first hand when Pope Francis gets here. It’ll be a great event for Ireland.”
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