Tourism Ireland’s 2013 series of ‘Jump into Ireland’ sales blitzes across the US and Canada kicked off recently in Washington DC and Raleigh (North Carolina) as the push for trans-Atlantic tourists continues in earnest. ‘Virtual’ tours of Ireland and presentations to travel agents, as well as networking with influential travel journalists, were the primary tool used to promote Ireland and, with the Gathering 2013 underway, it will be interesting to see how much of Tourism Ireland's evident hard work proves fruitful.
Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s vice-president of marketing in the United States, said: “The United States continues to be one of the strongest markets for tourism to the island of Ireland and 2013 looks set to be a record year. This type of event – where we talk directly to influential travel agents and media – provides an excellent platform to spread the word about all the great things to see and do in Ireland and to raise awareness about the exciting programme of events taking place this year for The Gathering Ireland. As well as directly targeting the Diaspora and those with a connection to Ireland, Tourism Ireland is also working closely with influential travel agents and tour operators, so that they will encourage their clients to visit this year, to sample some of the many festivals and events of The Gathering.”
