Truly, Madly, Deeply … Frank Magee
Frank Magee began his career with hotel management positions in Europe and Ireland. Then, he joined the Irish Tourist Board as an Investment and Hotel Adviser, before going on to direct projects such as the St Patrick’s Festival and Malahide Marina, as well as serving on many Irish organisations and professional bodies. However, he is best known for his 21 years at the helm of the Dublin Regional Tourism Authority – better known as Dublin Tourism. He announced his retirement as CEO on 31st December 2010.
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Under his management, Dublin has achieved remarkable progress and growth and now ranks in the top league of European City destinations. Frank Magee said: ‘Dublin Tourism is in a strong position, after its successful reorganisation and restructuring, to enable me to retire and allow a new person to take the helm to continue to develop Dublin as a ‘must-visit’ destination. While age is on my side, I look forward to applying the expertise that I have gained in Dublin Tourism to play my part in helping the Irish economy rebound from its current position.’
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His leadership and deep knowledge of city tourism was reflected at a European level throughout his tenure as President of European Cities Marketing over the period 2007-2009. He has agreed to share with us some of his ECM memories and some of the highpoints of his professional life.
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The best moment of your professional career?
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It was being appointed to Dublin Tourism. My initial plan had been to stay 6 months in Dublin Tourism. I ended up staying 21 years. During that time I believe I made a difference, and as a by-product of that I travelled the world and made some great friends.
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Why will you never forget ECM meetings?
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Because of the openness, the willingness to share information and the opportunity to see parts of Europe that I might not otherwise have seen. I have taken part with pride, watching the organisation becoming so professional and highly regarded internationally.
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ECM has brought you…
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I have learned a lot from colleagues. Each President has brought different strengths to the organisation and we have benefitted from that. The commitment that is required to attend the network meetings is a reflection of the value of the benefits that people get out of them. Also, ECM has challenged me, ensuring that I kept up to date on statistics, innovations and best marketing practice.
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One cannot survive working in tourism without…
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An interest in people and a sense of humour. Tourism is a people business and an emotional experience. One has to be open minded and inquisitive. This inquisitiveness is needed in order to identify the unique selling points of a destination and that can only be done by understanding the competitors’ offerings.
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Finally, I will have the time to….
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with my wife Clare to enjoy our four children and five grand children. We are looking forward to more time for walking, and under duress I have had my first bridge lesson! I have been doing a lot of cooking and I am working on getting my golf handicap down. At 58 I am too young to retire fully so I am hoping to do about 12 weeks work a year through my company International Tourism Consulting Partners Ltd. www.itcp.ie
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