‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission visits Cleveland, Cincinnati, Minneapolis and Chicago
NEW YORK – This week, Tourism Ireland embarks on the ‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission, visiting Cleveland, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, and Chicago. Alongside 13 top Irish tourism companies, four American tour operators, and two airline partners, the delegation will meet with key U.S. travel professionals and media, promoting the island of Ireland as a premier travel destination.
The mission is designed to boost interest in regional visits, travel during the shoulder season and extended stays in Ireland, leveraging strategic airline gateways to ensure easy access. A highlight for travelers is the unique U.S. Customs & Border pre-clearance available at Dublin and Shannon Airports, offering a faster, more efficient return to the U.S. for travelers who return as domestic passengers.
This year’s mission features promotional themes such as the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way, Belfast 2024 celebrations, and a variety of festivals and off-peak season initiatives, aiming to showcase Ireland’s rich cultural offerings and breathtaking natural beauty.
Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “This week’s ‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission provides an excellent platform to connect our tourism partners from Ireland with key U.S. travel professionals – to inspire them about what the island of Ireland has to offer and, importantly, to encourage them to recommend it to their clients. We’ll be shining a spotlight on the many things to see and do, and all that is new and exciting, on a vacation on the island of Ireland. Getting to Ireland has never been easier from the mid-west including new direct flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport this spring. The Midwest’s deep-rooted Irish heritage and culture make it a particularly significant region for our marketing efforts.”
“The U.S. continues to be a vital market for Irish tourism, and we remain committed to making Ireland a top choice for U.S. travelers, building on our strong connections and looking forward to welcoming more visitors to experience the unique charm and hospitality we are known for,” added Metcalfe.
A similar ‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission visited Austin, Dallas, Phoenix and Denver in February.
Tourism businesses taking part from Ireland and the U.S. participating in the ‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission include:
- Island of Ireland Partners
- Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre
- Moloney & Kelly
- GPO Museum
- Hastings Hotels
- Ireland Chauffeur Travel
- Lough Eske Castle
- Original Irish Hotels
- Powerscourt Estate
- Railtours Ireland First Class Ltd
- Shenanigans Walks Kilkenny
- Specialized Travel Services
- The iNUA Collection
- Titanic Hotel Belfast
- U.S. Tour Operator & Airline Partners
- Aer Lingus
- Avanti Destinations
- Brendan Vacations
- Delta Airlines
- Globus Family of Brands
- Sceptre
To learn more about Ireland and see special offers, visit Ireland.com.
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