Italian travel agents say ‘Ciao!’ to Offaly

One of Italy’s tour operators, Cocktail Tour Operator, and 14 of its top-producing travel agents have been visiting Ireland’s Ancient East over the weekend. They were here as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

Valentina Salaris, Tourism Ireland (left), with Italian travel agents, at the Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre.

The group was here on a fact-finding visit, to sample at first-hand the superb experience on offer in Ireland’s Ancient East for Italian holidaymakers.

The group’s itinerary included visits to Tullamore DEW and Birr Castle. They stayed at the Tullamore Court Hotel and dined in the hotel’s Windmill Restaurant and at The Thatch in Crinkill.

Tourism Ireland is working hard to build awareness of Ireland’s Ancient East among Italian travellers.

Niamh Kinsella, Tourism Ireland’s Manager in Italy, said: “Inviting travel agents to come and experience what’s on offer here is a key element of Tourism Ireland’s promotional programme in Italy. Our aim is that when they return home, the travel agents will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland.”

Niamh Kinsella continued: “Italy is an important market for tourism to the island of Ireland and2016 has got off to a positive start, with last week’s CSO figures showing growth of +12% for the November 2015 to January 2016 period. Tourism Ireland is determined to ensure that growth continues and we have an extensive programme of promotions under way in Italy in 2016.”