Tourism Ireland Launches Four-City Sales Event to Boost US Visits

Tourism Ireland, in collaboration with a delegation of 14 Irish tourism companies, has initiated a significant sales event across the United States, aiming to increase visitor numbers from this key market. The ‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission is currently taking place in four major cities: Houston, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle. This initiative seeks to engage American travel agents and promote Ireland as a prime travel destination.

The schedule for this week includes numerous business-to-business (B2B) events, allowing the Irish delegation to present their products and services directly to hundreds of American travel professionals. Interactive presentations are part of the agenda, designed to showcase the unique offerings of Ireland. Hundreds of meetings are expected to occur, facilitating valuable partnerships and ultimately driving tourism growth from the United States through 2026 and beyond.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, emphasized the importance of this sales mission. She stated, “Our ‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission this week offers a valuable platform to showcase Ireland to key US travel professionals. It gives our tourism partners from Ireland and the US an important opportunity to inform and influence the travel agents they meet in Houston, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle – highlighting what makes Ireland special and encouraging them to feature the destination in future programmes and recommend it to their clients.”

The United States remains a vital market for Irish tourism. This summer, 23 gateways across the US will offer direct flights to Ireland, providing American travellers with unprecedented access to the country. By making travel easier, Tourism Ireland aims to attract more visitors and enhance the overall tourism experience.

As the sales mission unfolds, the initiative not only showcases Ireland’s diverse attractions but also reinforces the commitment to partnership between Irish tourism stakeholders and their American counterparts. The outcomes of this event could significantly shape future travel trends, ensuring that Ireland remains a preferred destination for US holidaymakers.