The World Travel Awards have named Trinity College Dublin Europe’s Leading Academic Tourist Attraction. This is the second year of the award at the World Travel Awards, and Trinity has won both times. This year, Trinity beat out Sorbonne University, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Salamanca.
This news also comes in light of recent student feedback that tourism is infringing on campus life, with one student saying, “I don’t feel like I go to a legitimate college sometimes; I feel like I go to a tourist attraction.” Student outcry was sparked by Dublin University History Society committee member, Maureen Loftus, after she described being told to disperse an informal tour by Trinity Security because it was not sanctioned by the university.
Notably, tourism contributes significantly to Trinity’s income, playing a major role in its €17,000,000 surplus. It accounts for roughly 5 per cent of Trinity’s overall revenue. Visit Trinity is managed by the Central Revenue Unit, which encompasses Trinity Brand Commercial Services Limited.
The press release from Trinity after last year’s win said, “Home to Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure, and Trinity Trails guided walking tours, Trinity College Dublin was celebrated for delivering world-class visitor experiences in its historic city-centre campus.”
Visit Trinity celebrated the win on Instagram, congratulating staff at the Book of Kells Experience, Trinity Trails, events, retail, and accommodation.
