A total of 20 top global inbound tour operators are exploring the island of Ireland this week, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI.
They are here to take part in a B2B workshop in Castlebellingham – connecting with around 50 Irish tourism companies, to negotiate for their programmes for 2026 and beyond.
The tour operators – who are based in Britain, the United States, Asia and South America – deliver business from all over the world. They are preparing to sign contracts for 2026 and beyond, so it’s a key time to influence the addition of new tourism products to their programmes that have the potential to deliver more regional and longer-stay business for the island of Ireland.
As well as attending the workshop, the tour operators are also taking part in a fact-finding visit, to experience for themselves the high standard and variety of our tourism offering. Their action-packed itinerary includes Malahide Castle and Gardens, Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Causey Farm, Slane Distillery, Park Beo Greenway Hub, a Viking VR Experience at The Glyde Inn, King John’s Castle, Carlingford Adventure Centre & Skypark, an experience update with On Yer Bike and Carlingford Oyster Company.
In Northern Ireland, the group will visit Crawford’s Rock Seaweed in Kilkeel, enjoy breadmaking at Mrs C’s Home Kitchen in Dundrum, tour Hinch Distillery and visit the Slieve Donard. Titanic Belfast, Belfast Traditional Music Trail, a walking tour with DC Tours and St George’s Market also feature on their busy programme.
Aisling McDermott, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Global Partnerships, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to welcome these leading global inbound tour operators to the island of Ireland, to experience some of our many visitor attractions and warm hospitality. Our aim is to inspire them to extend the Ireland content of their existing programmes and itineraries, or to include the island of Ireland for the first time in their programmes – helping to secure a greater share of the global travel market for Ireland.”
