You have to hand it to the energetic Visit USA team of Ciara Foley of Platinum Travel and Clodagh Oxley, Chair and Excutive Director respectively, as they organised three road shows in three cities over three days. First it was off to Cork where Hayfield Manor Hotel was the venue and where the top southern agents were briefed by the seven members presents on their respective products and destinations.
The southern trade all showed up and ejoyed the fine cuisine of Hayfiels Manor Hotel. Ciara Foley said it all in one sentence: “We are here to help you.”
Patricia Purdue said that Massachusetts was up an amazing 25% in visitor numbers from Ireland, with the Boston gateway now having a 29% market share of all Irish US arrivals.
Peter Hannford from Georgia said that 50% of visitors to Savannah went on to visit South Carolina.
Day two saw the roadshow open for business at the Residence on Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green, where the seven sponsor members gave the agents an update on their destinations.
The magnificent seven sponsors were Peter Hannaford, Georgia; Laura Goldie, Discover Illinois; Matt Bates, Kansas/Oklahoma; Fiona Ellis, South Carolina; Mellissa Lowe, Kissimee; Patricia Purdue, Massachusetts; and Lee Osborne, BookaBed.
A nice touch by Lee Osborne was the gift of some hand-made Irish chocolates as a take home item for all the attendees.
