Rio Redeemer To Go Green

The world famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro will turn green for St Patrick's Day next year.

The 40m-high monument that overlooks the Brazilian city joins other famous landmarks around the world in agreeing to light up in green for Ireland's national holiday.

Already, Table Mountain in South Africa, the Sydney Opera House, the Empire State Building and the White House fountains are to honor Ireland by going green on St Patrick's Day.

Dozens of other landmarks have agreed to the Tourism Ireland initiative.

The Archbishop of Rio, Dom Orani Joao Tempesta, made the announcement last week during a visit by President Michael D Higgins.

Mr Higgins has visited several countries in south America as he promotes trade links and encourages Irish ex-pats living there to come to Ireland for The Gathering next year.

Tourism Ireland boss Niall Gibbons said the agency was planning a media campaign in Brazil to coincide with the statue's greening to raise awareness in Brazil about Ireland as a travel destination.

Tourism Ireland is targeting Brazil's booming tourism sector and plans to hire a local agent to promote Irish tourist destinations there.