Thirty top-performing travel agents from Canada and the US have arrived in Ireland to participate in the annual Air Canada-United Airlines Race.
The visiting travel agents are engaging in workshops with around 60 local tourism enterprises and participating in familiarisation trips to experience Ireland’s food, landscapes, heritage, and attractions firsthand.
Itinerary highlights for the travel agents include visits to notable sites, a cruise on the Shannon, eAthlone Castle, a guided archaeological tour at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, The Shed Distillery, Powerscourt Estatema cookery experience at Ballyknocken Cookery School, a guided boat tour of Kilkenny, J&J McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience, the Giant’s Causeway, Broughgammon Farm and NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate, Kylemore Abbey, a sheepdog demonstration at Caherconnell Stone Fort and a visit to the Cliffs of Moher.
The event aims to increase tourism bookings from the US and Canada, showcasing Ireland’s hospitality, attractions, and scenery as critical factors in promoting the destination.
Sandra Moffatt, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Canada, shared: “As an island destination, we know that direct, convenient and competitive air services are critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism and both Air Canada and United Airlines are key partners for Tourism Ireland. The aim is to grow bookings from the United States and Canada to the host destination. With 30 top-performing travel advisors from both countries in attendance this week, it’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our warm hospitality, world-class visitor attractions and spectacular scenery.”
