ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the concepts of development, national identity and nation branding in detail, leading to the presentation of an analytic model for understanding development and national identity today. It focuses on traditional understandings of the Celtic Tiger, and then integrates tourism into the story by examining the respective roles of the state and private sector in developing Ireland's tourism sector. The book investigates the selling of Ireland as a tourism destination and its relationship to national identity. It traces tourism marketing as a means of showcasing the nation and discusses how Ireland was portrayed to the world in earlier marketing programs. The book also discusses the future prospects of tourism in the Republic of Ireland. The Irish government, through its tourism board, first introduced 'Tourism Brand Ireland' in 1996 and has revised the brand three times since.
