~ Top US travel writers and editors attend Travel Classics International writers’ conference in Ashford Castle ~
Over 60 top US travel writers and editors are visiting Ireland this week, to attend a major travel writers’ conference. Ashford Castle is the venue for the prestigious Travel Classics International Writers’ conference, which is taking place over four days.
On day one of the conference, Tourism Ireland – as the Grand Sponsor of the event – hosted a welcome dinner in the George V Dining Room in Ashford Castle, in association with Brendan Vacations and Ashford Castle. The keynote speaker was Jesse Ashlock, the Deputy Global Editorial Director and US Editor of Condé Nast Traveler.
The Travel Classics International writers’ conference is regarded by many as the world’s foremost networking event for travel writers and editors – bringing together celebrated editors from a wide range of high-profile publications – including titles like Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure and AFAR magazines – which collectively reach hundreds of thousands of readers across North America, as well as globally.
Over the coming days, the freelance American travel writers will have the opportunity to meet with assigning editors from the leading travel, food and lifestyle publications in the US. The travel writers and editors will also have the chance to meet with a number of Irish tourism industry leaders, as well as to take part in various pre and post familiarisation visits – so they can experience at first-hand some of the many great things to see and do on a holiday in Ireland.
Siobhan McManamy, Interim Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “We are delighted that the Travel Classics International writers’ conference has returned to Ireland this year and really pleased to be the Grand Sponsor of this important event. With some of the most influential and prominent American travel and lifestyle editors and writers in attendance, it will bring huge exposure about what Ireland has to offer American holidaymakers, through the media in this important tourism market. It is a fantastic opportunity to show these travel writers and editors at first-hand what makes Ireland such a unique destination.”
Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, said: “This year’s Travel Classics Conference marks the seventh time this event has been hosted in Ireland and Fáilte Ireland is very proud to help organise with our colleagues in Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. It is very timely following the recent visit of US President Biden and is further testament to the close bond between our two countries. The event promises to deliver an unforgettable and immersive Irish experience for US media right across the island of Ireland thanks to a series of tours organised by Fáilte Ireland’s International Publicity team and colleagues in Tourism Northern Ireland. The conference will also showcase the breadth of tourist offerings along the Wild Atlantic Way providing a unique opportunity for more than 30 industry partners to engage with US media and share the stories behind these great attractions and businesses. The US media can also look forward to a visual extravaganza as characters from our unique Púca Festival bring to life the origins of Halloween here in Ireland.”
The Travel Classics International writers’ conference has taken place here previously – at the Lyrath Hotel in Kilkenny (2017), Ballymaloe House in Co Cork (2013), Conrad Dublin (2011), Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast (2009), the g Hotel in Galway (2007) and the Park Hotel Kenmare (2005).
