Belgian and Dutch tour operators discover Ireland

Twelve (12) tour operators from Belgium and the Netherlands have been visiting Ireland, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. 

The visiting tour operators are important partners for Tourism Ireland, bringing valuable Belgian and Dutch visitors to Ireland each year. Tourism Ireland aims to familiarise them with our superb tourism offering, to ensure Ireland features prominently in their programmes for 2025 and beyond.

Tourism Ireland has a strong focus on driving more business to the regions of Ireland this year. Activity includes its ‘twinning’ initiative – with each overseas market ‘twinning’ with a specific part of Ireland, to accelerate the organisation’s focus on regional growth of tourism revenue. Belgium and the Netherlands are twinned with Galway and Clare – so the group’s action-packed itinerary places particular emphasis on both counties. 

The tour operators’ itinerary included the Burren Farm Experience, Cliffs of Moher and a tour of Inis Mór with Aran Off-Road Experience. They also enjoyed a woolcraft experience at Connemara Sheep & Wool Centre and a cycling tour of Galway city with WeWheel, as well as visits to Kylemore Abbey, Killary Sheep Farm, Glengowla Mines and Athlone Castle. 

Karen van der Horst, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Northern Europe, said: “We’re delighted these influential Belgian and Dutch tour operators have taken the time to come and experience Ireland’s superb tourism offering – including our rich cultural and historical experiences – and see for themselves what Ireland has to offer their clients. It’s a great opportunity to familiarise them with the destination for consideration in their programmes for 2025 and beyond.”

Belgian and Dutch tour operators at Kylemore Abbey with Eef Belckx, Tourism Ireland (back, right).