A group of leading Italian travel agents visited Ireland recently, as guests of Tourism Ireland in Milan, Francorosso (a major Italian tour operator) and Fáilte Ireland. The group
was here on a fact-finding visit, to sample at first-hand the superb experience on offer in Ireland for Italian holidaymakers.
Pictured are Martin Hanrahan, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny (centre), welcoming Italian travel agents and Mary O’Connor, Tourism Ireland (third left).
During their time here, the group visited Kilkenny Castle and the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. They also enjoyed a panoramic tour of Dublin, an evening at The Irish House Party, as well as visits to attractions like the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College and Malahide Castle.
Niamh Kinsella, Tourism Ireland’s manager in Italy, said: “Italy is an important market for tourism to the island of Ireland and visits like this are a key element of the work that Tourism Ireland undertakes each year with the travel trade in Italy. There really is no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer at first-hand; our aim is to enthuse the travel agents about the destination, so that when they return home, they are better equipped to advise their clients on future travel plans.”
According to the latest CSO figures, visitor numbers from Italy grew by about +9% in 2014.
