Group of US buyers at Delphi Hotel Resort with Fáilte Ireland
Fáilte Ireland seeks to grow business in market valued at €172bn globally
One of North America’s most reputable luxury tour operators for exotic destinations, SITA World Tours, were in Ireland this week on a tailored visit to the Wild Atlantic Way which was designed to promote Ireland to high-end travellers. The trip was hosted by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland.
Together with creating a bespoke itinerary for the buyers, which included American Express and Gullivers Travel, Fáilte Ireland hosted a networking evening in the Delphi Resort Hotel in Connemara where a group of Irish trade from Galway and Mayo met and discussed their business with the US Buyers. The group also learned more about Fáilte Ireland’s regional experience brands – Dublin, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and any exclusive and unique product experiences in the area, to help bring these tourism initiatives to life.
Failte Ireland’s International Trade & Platforms Manager, Oonagh Kelly said:
“Fáilte Ireland were delighted to promote and highlight our tourism initiatives – Dublin, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, to these top US buyers. With visitors now looking for authenticity and immersive experiences, Ireland has much to offer with its green, lush, and pastoral landscapes.
Following Fáilte Ireland global research study on the luxury market segment in 2017 some key highlights from the findings included that the value of Luxury Travel globally is rising at a considerable pace, with the growth rate for luxury continuing to exceed that of mainstream tourism at 6.4% versus 4.8% for mainstream travel. It is expected that globally the value of luxury travel will reach €1,154bn by 2022.”
Some of the buyers on this trip are new to selling Ireland on their programmes and had never been to Ireland before and with most of their clients having only visited Dublin. Fáilte Ireland provided the buyers with a showcase of top attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way which including an exclusive Food Tour of Galway City, a visit to Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, and the Delphi Resort Hotel in Galway, the exclusive Ashford Castle, in Mayo, a private Yeats Experience at Broc House, in Sligo and breathtaking views from Sliabh League Visitor Centre in Donegal.
Ms Kelly, continued:
“We wanted these buyers to be impressed by the truly authentic and exclusive luxury products available for overseas visitors in Ireland. What these luxury agents will be pleased to discover on their visit to Ireland are the many choices for luxurious accommodations whether that be a city-centre, estate or castle property. More luxury travellers are seeking experiences that offer private and exclusive escapes which are authentic and provide immersion in the local culture and the opportunity to escape and connect with loved ones for quality time. Ireland can deliver this – along with access to stunning landscapes coupled with exceptional and personal service.”
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