Michelle Maguire from Ireland's Blue Book prepares to greet agents.
Insight Vacations' Carla Brake chats with agents, Fasil Kasa & Rodger Boyadjian.
Suzanne Meade from Edward Hotels talks to agent, Joanne Obrien, about luxury properties.
The traditional Irish musicians, Brogue, were a hit with the audience.
Discover Ireland pulled out all the “stomps” for a traditionally Irish evening at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Centre. Hosted by Jayne Shackleford and Helen Cole from Tourism Ireland, a group of Irish suppliers, dancers and entertainers came to Toronto to launch the all-new Jump Into Ireland campaign, designed to highlight the country’s culture, heritage and cuisine.
It was no surprise that everyone was tapping their toes: by all accounts, Canadians love immersing themselves in the culture and traditions of the Green Isle – nearly 100,000 Canadians visited Ireland in 2011, representing 8% growth over 2010. This is good news, especially for Canadian operators Insight Vacations and Transat Holidays. Both suppliers were present to promote their unique Ireland product and show their support.
Transat Holidays uses their own fleet of aircraft for weekly flights from YYZ to SNN, and 5 times a week from YYZ to DUB. Flights are complemented by affordable car rentals and top-notch accommodations- all available on an FIT or ITC basis.
Not to be outdone, luxury coach touring specialist Insight Vacations showcased their “business class” seating, which provides up to twice as much legroom as other operators’ coaches; their exceptional, well located hotels, and their premium included highlights, such as special meals and excursions.
Several Irish suppliers were on hand to promote Ireland’s diverse iconic experiences and engaging people. Michelle Maguire from Ireland’s Blue Book showcased their amazing selection of historic castles, manor homes and luxury hotels. Many of these properties are also available through Emerald Elite Group, a one-stop-shop for luxury, customized tours throughout the country.
The lovely Suzanne Meade from The Edward Hotel Group was there to describe some of their stylish, top-drawer properties, such as the luxurious 5 star G Hotel in lovely Galway.
Although many clients opt to rent a car, the train is also a great way to get around. Jim Deegan from Railtours Ireland surprised the audience when he told us that 90% of their clients are Canadians. I guess we like the pubs a bit more than we’ll admit.
Of course, no Irish event would be complete without a pint of Guinness, and this was no exception. As they sipped on the famed black brew, agents were surprised to learn that with over a million annual visitors, the Guinness Storehouse is Ireland’s top visitor attraction – but even more interesting: over ¼ of all Canadian visitors to Ireland head to the Guinness Storehouse for a tour or a chance to learn how to pull ‘the perfect pint’.
Another popular visitor attraction is the House of Waterford Crystal. And, after hearing all about the tradition of crystal production and the unique factory tours, 2 lucky agents left with prizes generously donated by Waterford Crystal.
Clients can walk (or stumble?) in the footsteps of their literary heroes on a Dublin Pub Crawl Walking tour, play an imaginary fiddle and sing along at Dublin’s biggest and best Irish music and culture festival, Temple Bar TradFest; or be swept up in history at the brand-new Titanic Museum in Belfast. But however they choose to immerse themselves in it, 2012 is sure to be a banner year for Ireland.
