UK travel operators enjoy a grand tour of the Kingdom’s attractions

A GROUP of over 20 top UK Incoming Tour Operators were in Killarney last Wednesday to meet and do business with over 60 key Irish tourism businesses from across the country, including representatives from Kerry, at a workshop in The Brehon Hotel.

The workshop, organised by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, was designed to help attract more overseas visitors from key markets.

Several Kerry representatives took part including Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa; Best Western Eviston House Hotel; Killarney Jaunting Cars – Tangney Tours; Parknasilla Hotel; Randles Hotel; Sneem Hotel and Rose Travel, Killarney.

To further showcase what Ireland has to offer, bespoke itineraries were organised by Fáilte Ireland giving an opportunity for the UK tour operators to experience accommodation, dining, entertainment and visitor attraction options in the Kerry region.

Among the places they visited were Kenmare for a walking tour and visit to The Park Hotel; a tour of the Ring of Kerry; Muckross House and Gardens; Valentia Island and Cromwell Point Lighthouse; the Skellig Experience Centre and the Kerry Dark Sky walk.

“These influential tour operators have the capacity to deliver significant amounts of visitors to Ireland and their presence here is a testimony to Ireland’s appeal as a destination,” said Fáilte Ireland Head of Trade and Promotions Ciara Sugrue.

The workshop provides an effective opportunity for the Irish tourism businesses to meet buyers and make new contacts.