Meitheal 2025, held on April 1-2 at the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney, is Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event and the largest gathering for the Irish tourism industry, marking its 50th anniversary this year.
Organised by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Tourism Ireland, it brought together 389 Irish tourism providers and 255 international buyers from 15 countries, facilitating over 10,000 sales meetings. Here are the key takeaways based on available information:
- Significant Business Opportunities: The event served as a critical platform for Irish tourism businesses to pitch directly to international buyers, with expectations of securing substantial deals. Each buyer represents tens of thousands of potential visitors, making Meitheal a cornerstone for building future tourism pipelines and boosting Ireland’s economy.
- Focus on Emerging Trends: Key trends highlighted included growing demand for multi-generational trips, outdoor activities, small private tours, and immersive experiences incorporating food and traditional crafts. These reflect evolving traveler preferences and Ireland’s ability to cater to diverse, experience-driven tourism.
- Showcasing Ireland’s Strengths: The event emphasised Ireland’s appeal as a destination, leveraging its world-class scenery, hospitality, culture, heritage, and food. Providers showcased offerings from regions like the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and Dublin, reinforcing Ireland’s competitive edge despite its small size.
- International Reach: Buyers from countries such as Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and the USA participated, highlighting Ireland’s broad global appeal and the event’s role in fostering international partnerships.
- Economic and Cultural Impact: Celebrating 50 years of tourism trade events, Meitheal underscored its historical importance in building relationships and promoting Ireland. Minister Peter Burke noted its role in sustaining tourism SMEs, local communities, and Ireland’s overall destination brand, especially amid a reported 30pc (but strongly contested) drop in CSO visitor numbers for February 2025.
- Kerry’s Prominence: Local interest in Kerry was a standout, with buyers showing strong engagement with the region’s offerings, as noted by Wild Atlantic Way manager Josephine O’Driscoll.
