Ireland will have an amazing opportunity to showcase itself as a tourism destination to some of Canada’s top travel writers, as Fáilte Ireland hosts 28 members of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Canada Chapter during their trip to Ireland for the society’s Annual Conference, in Barberstown Castle, County Kildare from 8th – 11th April, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland.
Including freelance travel journalists and photographers, staff travel editors and travel publicists from titles such as Lonely Planet, Air Canada Vacations, Fodor’s and the Toronto Star, the Society (SATW) members represent some of the most influential content producers in the Canadian travel industry.
With Air Canada due to launch new seasonal non-stop flights and increased frequencies of existing services between Canada and Ireland this summer, a number of tailored press trips have been organised by Fáilte Ireland to encourage the members to get out to experience and explore Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way and in Ireland’s Ancient East, giving delegates a taste of what the island of Ireland has to offer to Canadian tourists.
Alex Connolly, Head of Communications and International Publicity at Fáilte Ireland, said:
“The best way to write about something is to experience it first. We will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that the cream of Canadian travel media see and do as much as possible – and share their experiences with their readers afterwards as well.
From a visit to Ireland’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League in County Donegal to a boat trip down the Boyne, we hope to showcase the culture and beauty of Ireland, giving them the opportunity to generate many interesting stories for their publications. With new Air Canada flights making it easier for Canadians to visit Ireland, there has never been a better time to promote what all our country has to offer in the Canadian media.”
Among the many places to showcase the group on their visit to the Wild Atlantic Way include a visit to Lisadell House in County Sligo, the magnificent estate of Kylemore Abbey in County Galway and some stunning views at Ireland’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League in County Donegal. While in Ireland’s Ancient East a scenic cycle on the Greenway to Carlingford from Omeath Pier, a looped walk on the Cooley Peninsula foraging with Mary White in the Blackstairs Eco Trails and a visit to Walsh Whiskey Distillery in County Carlow and Jerpoint Abbey in County Kilkenny.
Dana Welch, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Canada, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Society of American Travel Writers – Canadian Chapter to Ireland. With some of the most influential and prominent Canadian travel and lifestyle journalists attending the conference, it’s a major coup for Irish tourism and a superb opportunity to show them at first-hand what makes Ireland unique. It will bring huge exposure for what Ireland has to offer Canadian holidaymakers.
“2017 was the best year ever for Irish tourism from Canada – with visitor numbers increasing by around +12% over 2016. With more flights than ever before from Canada to Ireland this year, Tourism Ireland is pulling out all the stops to keep the momentum going and ensure that growth continues.”
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