Louth on the map for international tourism buyers

TOURISM buyers from 19 countries are enjoying a visit to Louth, including a trip to Carlingford, as part of a number of fact-finding tours across Ireland ahead of attending Meitheal, Ireland’s largest tourism trade fair.

The tourism fair will take place in Punchestown Centre, Kildare later this week and is organised by Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland.

Almost 300 overseas buyers and 360 Irish tourism businesses will be pitching and deal making over the two days, with approximately 12,000 face to face meetings scheduled to take place allowing international and Irish operators to meet and agree business for the 2018 season.

Speaking about the importance of these bespoke fact-finding tours, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Trade and International Publicity, Ciara Sugrue said: ‘ These tailored trips around the country provide the buyers with a direct experience of what an Irish holiday can offer their customers.

‘ The buyers will enjoy visits to some iconic attractions including soaking up culture and heritage in Ireland’s Ancient East at a visit to Beaulieu House and Ballymascanlon Hotel, a walking tour of Drogheda and Carlingford in Louth; Huntington Castle, Carlow; Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile Museum; the newly opened Youghal Clock Gate Tower, Cork; Irish peatlands at Lullymore Heritage Park, Kildare; and Carrickmacross Workhouse in Co Monaghan’.