PIC SHOWS: Belgian and Dutch tour operators and travel agents at Powerscourt Estate, with Cara Jeffrey, Tourism Ireland (front, second right); and Vivienne Nyhan, Powerscourt Estate (front, second left).
Fifteen (15) Belgian and Dutch tour operators and travel agents have been visiting Ireland as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI.
The aim of the visit was to educate and enthuse the travel professionals about some of the many great things to see and do in Ireland’s Ancient East and Northern Ireland, so they are better equipped to sell the destination to their clients when they return home.
The group’s itinerary included Powerscourt Estate, Glendalough, Russborough House, the Irish National Stud & Gardens and Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. They also visited Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, The Gobbins, Titanic Belfast and enjoyed a walk in Kilbroney Park.
Karen van der Horst, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Northern Europe, said: “We were delighted to invite this group of Belgian and Dutch tour operators and travel agents to explore Ireland’s Ancient East and Northern Ireland – and experience our amazing scenery, activities and hospitality for themselves. Fact-finding visits like this are a key element of Tourism Ireland’s activity with the travel trade in both Belgium and the Netherlands. Our aim is that when they return home, the travel professionals will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2024 and beyond.”