Sunway has once again been crowned Irish Owned Tour Operator of the Year at the 2026 Irish Travel Industry Awards for the third year in a row, continuing its proud tradition of excellence in a fiercely competitive field.
The accolade, presented at the glamorous gala ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House and organised by the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) in association with MSC Cruises, saw Sunway prevail over a strong shortlist including Discover Travel, Topflight, Travel Department, and Travel Focus. As Ireland’s largest fully Irish-owned tour operator, this win—building on previous triumphs such as the 2024 title—highlights Sunway’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, value-driven holidays tailored to the needs of Irish travellers.
Founded in 1966 and remaining 100pc Irish-owned and managed, Sunway employs over 60 staff in Ireland and a further 50 overseas, offering more than 70 destinations worldwide. The company specialises in sun holidays but has diversified extensively, encompassing European package deals, worldwide adventures, cruises, river cruises, escorted tours, Lapland experiences, weddings, honeymoons, and active beach club programmes through partners like Club Med, Mark Warner, and Neilson. Departures from Dublin, Cork, and Shannon ensure broad accessibility, with flights bundled seamlessly into packages that include transfers, accommodation, and often all-inclusive or half-board options.
Sunway’s activities in the Irish market revolve around deep trade partnerships and agent empowerment.
Regular training sessions, product launches, and webinars keep agents informed on new programmes, such as the expanded 2026 escorted and special interest tours featuring fresh destinations and unique experiences. Sunway’s responsive support team assists with queries, group bookings, and customisations, helping agents deliver personalised service.
Marketing campaigns are crafted with Irish consumers in mind, focusing on affordability, reliability, and variety. Seasonal promotions—such as flash sales with holidays from €264 including flights and baggage—target peak periods like summer sun, winter escapes, and school breaks. Brochures and digital tools emphasise family-friendly resorts with kids’ clubs, adult-only retreats with spas, and cultural tours to lesser-known gems like the Balkans or Baltic states. Sunway’s renowned resort representatives, who provide local knowledge and on-the-ground assistance, earn consistent praise for enhancing the holiday experience and driving repeat bookings—often over 60% of clients return.
Innovation keeps Sunway at the forefront. Recent partnerships, including with VIVA Cruises for all-inclusive European river voyages packaged with Irish flights and optional hotel stays, expand options for agents. The operator’s Lapland programme—featuring charters from multiple airports and magical Santa visits, snowmobiles, and reindeer rides—remains Ireland’s largest, captivating families each December. Escorted tours, led by expert guides including senior team members, offer cultural depth with inclusions like excursions and comfortable transport.
Sustainability and value feature prominently in messaging, with eco-friendly resort selections and transparent pricing that avoids hidden extras. As a fully bonded company under Irish Aviation Authority licences, Sunway reassures clients and agents alike in uncertain times.
2026 awards
Previous winners
