A delegation of Irish tourism businesses – including the Waterfront Hotel and Donegal Tourism – was in Glasgow this week alongside Packie Bonner, taking part in Tourism Ireland’s first promotion of 2019 in Scotland.
In all, 27 tourism businesses from Ireland – including hotels, visitor attractions, ferry companies and regional tourism organisations – had the opportunity to meet with the local tour operators and travel agents.
The annual event provides a valuable platform for the participating companies from Ireland to network and win business for the year ahead.
Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “I am delighted that so many of our tourism partners from Ireland have joined us in Glasgow this week, highlighting our tourism offering to influential tour operators and travel agents.
“Since the UK referendum on Brexit, Tourism Ireland has been closely monitoring developments in the British outbound travel market.
“As our nearest neighbour and our largest market for overseas tourism, Britain remains a priority for us,” she said.
“In 2019, we will continue to highlight the wide variety of things to see and do on holiday here, as well as the ease of getting to the island of Ireland, with almost 238,000 seats by air and 46,000 car spaces on ferries from Britain every week.
“Competitiveness and the value for money message remain important. We are committed to making 2019 another strong year for Irish tourism,” she added.
“Music and culture are key components of the holiday experience in Ireland, so platforms like Celtic Connections help us to spread the word about Donegal as a premier destination with an appealing cultural offering.
“Our message is that there has never been a better time for British holidaymakers to come and experience that for themselves.”