Global tour operators get flavour of Clare in London

A NUMBER of Clare tourism attractions and companies were in London recently promoting the Banner at the ‘Flavours of Ireland’ 2022 expo.

Representatives from Caherconnell Fort and Sheepdog Demonstrations, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Doolin Ferry Company, Secret Ireland Escapes (based in Killaloe), Shannon Ferries and Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg were among 60 Irish tourism companies present.

‘Flavours’ is Tourism Ireland’s annual B2B tourism workshop, where tourism companies from Ireland meet and do business with top global inbound tour operators.

Now in its 20th year, ‘Flavours’ took place in the Guildhall, in the City of London, and was attended by around 100 global inbound tour operators who deliver business from all over the world, including the United States, Mainland Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa.

‘Flavours’ provided an excellent opportunity for the participating tourism providers from Clare to highlight and sell their tourism product and build valuable relationships with the key decision-makers in attendance.

The global inbound operators are preparing to sign contracts for 2023 and beyond; it is, therefore, a key time to influence the addition of new tourism products to their programmes that have the potential to deliver more regional and longer-stay business for Ireland.

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Global Inbound and Emerging Markets, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted that so many tourism organisations from Ireland and so many leading global inbound tour operators took the time to join us at our annual ‘Flavours of Ireland’ event.

“In 2019, these tour operators were responsible for delivering around 5 million bed-nights to the island of Ireland. As they prepare to sign contracts for 2023, we very much welcome the business and networking opportunities our workshop presented.

“Our aim is to increase awareness of Ireland among these hugely influential global inbound tour operators and to help Ireland and our tourism partners secure a greater share of the huge worldwide tourism market.”