Tourism Ireland has announced the appointment of Neil Aulton as Head of Strategy & Insights. Aulton will be responsible for Tourism Ireland’s extensive research programme, for market intelligence and analysis which will inform the organisation’s corporate strategy and the development of world-class marketing programmes. This research will also provide depth and breadth of insight to support the wider tourism industry and island of Ireland policy-makers.
Aulton has more than 20 years’ experience in strategic planning and market and consumer research. Most recently, he was Managing Director of Strategy & Planning for Future Thinking, a UK market research consultancy engaged in a wide range of research – including customer experience, stakeholder management, communications and branding research. For much of his career Neil has been involved in the transport, travel and tourism sectors, which has included responsibility for official tourism statistics for both VisitBritain and Nielsen New Zealand.
Commenting on the appointment, Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons said: “I am delighted to welcome Neil Aulton to Tourism Ireland and this key strategic role, following an extensive external competition. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in strategic planning and research and a very strong track record of achievement. He takes up this important role of Head of Strategy & Insights at an exciting and challenging time, as we seek to build on the success of a number of record years for overseas tourism to the island of Ireland.”
“This is a fantastic role and an exciting opportunity. I look forward to playing my part in continuing to grow overseas tourism to the island of Ireland and to working closely with our partners, and the great Tourism Ireland team already in place, to help deliver growth,” says Aulton.
