Five tour operators from the United States and Canada are visiting the island of Ireland this week, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
The tour operators are all specialists in group travel, with a particular focus on designing travel itineraries that are based on shared cultural and historical connections for their clients.
Tourism Ireland aims to familiarise the tour operators with Ireland’s tourism offering, to ensure the island of Ireland is ‘top of mind’ for them when suggesting destinations for 2025 to their clients.
Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said:“We’re delighted these influential tour operators have taken the time to come and experience the island of Ireland’s superb tourism offering – including our cultural and historical experiences – and see for themselves what Ireland has to offer their clients. Our aim is that when they return home, they will be more knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for the island of Ireland in 2025 and beyond.”
The group’s itinerary includes Titanic Belfast, Titanic Distillers, Crumlin Road Gaol, The Gobbins, Broughgammon Farm, and a walking tour of the walled city of Derry.
The tour operators will also visit GORTA – Swatragh’s Famine Story and the Ulster American Folk Park. In Fermanagh, they will visit Finn Lough, enjoy a guided boat tour of Lough Erne with Erne Water Taxi, and take part in the Enniskillen Taste Experience.
The group will also visit Crafts of Ireland in Cavan, the Irish National Stud & Gardens and Newbridge Silverware in County Kildare, as well as Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow. In Dublin, they will take in Marsh’s Library and enjoy a walking tour of the city.
