4 September 2017
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Nine travel agents from leading Spanish Agency, Viajes El Corte Ingles, who have an extensive network of more than 500 branches throughout Spain, are in Ireland’s Ancient East to learn more about the brand with a view to selling more packages to Ireland.
This is just one of a number of events designed, hosted and managed by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with partners Tourism Ireland. The buyers already sell Ireland coach tours along with fly and drive programmes, in collaboration with Abbey Tours, and have expressed an interest in growing more business to Ireland.
To bring Ireland’s Ancient East to life for the travel agents, Fáilte Ireland’s Business Development team will give a presentation during their visit to Powerscourt House and Gardens. The group will also have an opportunity to explore Ireland’s Ancient East for themselves including a tour of the wonderful Glendalough Monastic site in Co Wicklow, the historic Kilkenny Castle and Medieval Mile, the Rock of Cashel in Tipperary, and Curraghmore House in Waterford before heading to Cork to enjoy tasting at the Jameson Distillery and the English Market, finishing their tour in the town of Kinsale.
Ciara Sugrue, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of International Publicity, explained –
“Fáilte Ireland is delighted to bit a hearty ‘hola’ to these top Spanish travel agents. With overseas visitors now looking for authenticity and immersive experiences, Ireland has much to offer. With ever increasing flights and expanding new routes to and from Spain this market has opened up Ireland as a new destination for inbound tourism and we are determined to benefit from the greater potential.”
Ireland continues to be a draw for Spanish tourists with over 370k coming to Ireland in 2016, either for holiday or to learn English, this is an increase of 15% on the previous year and total spend was €187 million.
