Top US golf media play a round in Sligo
FÁILTE Ireland this week welcomed seven top US golfing media, with a combined audience of 15 million to experience first- hand some of Ireland’s links courses on the Wild Atlantic Way and the world class value Ireland has to offer to the overseas golfer.
Included in the visiting US golfing media, are representatives from leading TV channels such as Fox Sports in Florida and Yahoo Sports, magazines such as Texas Golf Monthly and Texas Golfer, online media from South Florida Luxury Guide Golf Getaways and Golf. com.
The trip, organised by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, will allow the journalists to enjoy a showcase of some of our links courses on the Wild Atlantic Way such as Enniscrone Golf Links, Sligo; Lahinch Golf Club in Clare; Connemara Championship Links, Ballyconneely, Galway; and the Westport Golf Club and Carne Golf Club, Mayo.
Explaining the importance of such media trips, Ciara Sugrue, Head of International Publicity with Fáilte Ireland, said:
“Golf plays a big part in Irish tourism and we welcome the opportunity to showcase some of Ireland’s top links courses to these ‘ heavy hitters’ from the US such as Fox Sports and Yahoo Sports. We know we can provide world class golfing, great value for money and fantastic holiday experiences to our international visitors with more than 400 golf courses throughout Ireland, including Enniscrone Golf Links here in Sligo, providing a great showcase for our spectacular scenic landscapes.”
“We very much believe that golf can deliver increasing numbers of tourists into Ireland and we can ensure this happens through trips such as this which help develop relationships with influential golfing media in key markets such as the US.
“The visit provides a great opportunity to highlight the treasures of the Wild Atlantic Way with the hope that they will inspire their audiences/ readers to choose Ireland as their next holiday destination.”
Golf is one of Ireland’s most significant tourist activities with over 200,000 overseas visitors taking part in golf during their visit to Ireland every year, contributing almost € 220 million to the economy. Fáilte Ireland is working to grow these numbers by targeting those markets with greatest potential.