Seven Australian travel agents are visiting the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland this week. The group includes representatives of some of the biggest travel agencies in Australia, like Hello World and Flight Centre. They are here as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Cathay Pacific.
Their busy programme includes a boat tour at Slieve League, meeting with Dr Prannie Rhatigan of the Irish Seaweed Kitchen in Sligo, a cycle along the Achill to Mulranny section of the Great Western Greenway, Kylemore Abbey, a walking tour of Galway, as well as the Book of Kells and the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to showcase the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland to this group of top Australian travel agents,” said Sofia Hansson, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Australia. “There is really no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer at first-hand. As we prepare for 2019, our aim is that when these travel agents return home, they will be better informed and really enthusiastic about the destination, which will in turn help to secure a greater share of their business for Northern Ireland.”
Ireland has seen good growth in visitors from Australia and New Zealand over the past few years, with around 228,000 visiting from both countries in 2017. Tourism Ireland is rolling out an extensive programme of promotions in Australia this autumn, to grow business in the shoulder and off season months and to position us well for 2019. The programme includes a sales mission, an ‘early bird’ online advertising campaign, co-operative promotions with key airline and tour operator partners, email marketing and social media promotions.
