ITTN’s Shane Cullen was at the US Thanksgiving Trade Event in Spencer Hotel with a host of US suppliers highlighting what’s on offer across the United States for the Irish traveller.
Catching up with Tryphavana Cross, Chairperson of the Visit USA Committee in Ireland, she explained, “2024 is on track to be a very strong year for visitation to the USA. Ireland now ranks #17 globally for total visitation to the USA, which is phenomenal for a small country, and is #1 for visitation per capita.”
We, as a little nation, punch above our weight in terms of travelling across the Atlantic aided by a strong bond with our American neighbours and pre-clearance at both Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport. In fact, as a nation, we have never enjoyed the connectivity on offer from airlines as we do now with a multitude of direct services not just to the big hitters like New York, Boston, Chicago and Florida but to lessor well-known destinations meaning there is more to explore, discover and enjoy. Whether a one-stop destination holiday or an epic multi-stop vacation, here’s some travel inspiration!
New Jersey
As many know, I’m from Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland and across the pond I have been fortunate enough to visit the Garden State of the US, New Jersey. It’s a little state with a lot of WOW. Lush and green, miles of coastline, stunning views of New York City’s skyline but this state is much more than a viewing point – head to Atlantic City for the exciting nightlife, Princeton for stunning architecture and academic achievement, journey south for sailing and the vineyards of Cape May. And, as most Irish will admit, shopping is a must and New Jersey offers tax-free shopping on clothes and footwear and it’s worth a trip to American Dream – a 3 million square foot retail, dining and entertainment space offering everything from shops, a ski slope, theme parks and an indoor water park.
Julie Greenhill, who will be taking over leadership for GEC Travel Representation from the 31st December this year, shared, “A little state with a lot of WOW. We have so much to offer everybody including amazing views of Manhattan, 130 miles of beach – it’s really stunning – everything from Long Branch down to Cape May. Try whale-watching, bird-watching, we’ve even got a bear sanctuary. Plus, great skiing if you go up into the mountains in the winter.”
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is Northeastern Ohio on the shores of Lake Erie with a city of c. 300,000 and a catchment area of 8 million. It has big city amenities in a small city centre, an ideal combination for those looking for an American holiday that’s a little different. This place still offers world-class culture with the very impressive Cleveland Museum of Natural History and The Cleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland’s Playhouse Square theatre district is largest performing arts centre in the entire United States outside of New York City.
Emily Lauer, Destination Cleveland, explains “Sports culture and rock and roll is what Cleveland is all about and we’re the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and for a mid-sized city we have three sports teams, American Football, Baseball and Basketball. From a cultural point of view, we like to say we punch above our weight class, our art museum, our Cleveland Orchestra – both world recognised institutions – really, you don’t expect to find that in Cleveland. We’re a hidden gem right on the shore of Lake Erie.”.
It is friendly, welcoming and the dollar stretches that bit further. It’s never been easier to get there with direct flights from Dublin. In addition, whether by air or road, an internal flight or a highway will take you to neighbouring destinations, Chicago (90 minute flight) and New York City (c.60 minute flight). It’s only an hour by air to Toronto too!
Michigan & Direct to Detroit with Delta from May
Mid-western state, Michigan is in the Great Lakes region of the United Sates. It offers breathtaking snowy landscapes, family fun, starry skies, outdoor adventures and places to shop, eat and stay local.
Whether you are a cityscape adventurer or an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie or a thrill-seeker, traveling with your family or making memories with friends—all are welcome to explore here with exciting and accessible experiences. You are on the brink of planning a vacation so unique, it can only be classified as Pure Michigan.
Gary Fletcher and Michelle McBeath from Pure Michigan explained, “Michigan is going to be a great place to visit in 2025. Value is an important aspect of this. You will find that your money will go further, your Euro, your pound will go further in Michigan.”
“Michigan is where you will rediscover the true America. That’s why 2025 is going to be a big one. Don’t forget, from the island of Ireland, there’s a brand new flight starting in May – four times a week and operated by Delta Airlines, the biggest airline in the world. It’s going to be a great time to fly to Detroit.”
Visit Central Florida & Enter Trade Draw by 6th Dec
Margaret Henriksson, Visit Central Florida explained that Central Florida has developed a brand new marketing and sales program that’s easy to navigate. You start with 2 12-minute units that are not text heavy and you can go back if you get the wrong answer. When travel professionals complete it, you get your certificate which entitles you to lots of goodies and experiences during your next stay in Florida:
- Get your graduation gift pack at Central Florida’s Welcome Center
- Complimentary 1-day LEGOLAND Theme Park ticket
- 2 Complimentary Tickets to Bok Tower Gardens
- One Free pass to the incredible Florida Children’s Museum
- Free soft serve ‘Orange Dream’ ice cream cone at Ridge Island Groves
- Discount stays at the award-winning Courtyard by Marriott Winter Haven
- 20% off your entire purchase at Purely Polk Marketplace inside Central Florida’s Welcome
After this there is a further section where you can delve deeper into the various areas. In addition, you have a promote section. In the instance where you are speaking to a client and they want a copy of the Travel Guide for Visit Central Florida, you can forward it to them directly by WhatsApp, by text or by email.
“It’s really quick and easy to send information. You can send pictures, you can use pictures for your own social channels – everything on there”.
Margaret gave me a demonstration and this is the future, it’s swishy, easy to navigate and the ability to share content with a client makes it a fantastic support for sales professionals.
It’s available at visitcentralflorida.org on their travel professionals tab.
Furthermore, if you sign up and complete before the 6th of December, you will be entered into a draw – three names will be picked out ready for Christmas with two €50 vouchers and a €100 voucher!
Join the Central Florida Tourism Institute and get the tools, support and resources you need to increase your bookings!
Visit Florida
Gill Standeven, Visit Florida, gave us three key things for the Irish market:
“For a first-timer to Florida, if they stay one or two nights outside of the main theme park areas and they are five times more likely to rebook so twin and multi-centres is a fantastic thing for us. We’ve got so much more than theme parks as well: award-winning beaches, the largest network of spring waters anywhere in the world and over 175 National State Parks. So we really do have something for everyone!”
For a quick flashback to the Florida Huddle last year with ITTN’s Shane Cullen, check out The Breakers – America’s First Resort Destination.
