Forging ‘Celtic Connections’ for the island of Ireland

A delegation of tourism businesses from the island of Ireland is in Glasgow this week, taking part in Tourism Ireland’s first promotion of 2024 in Scotland – a B2B workshop and networking event with travel professionals from Scotland and the north of England.

Around 30 tourism businesses from Ireland – including hotels, visitor attractions and regional tourism organisations – had the opportunity to meet, and do business with, influential tour operators and travel agents, as well Scottish travel and lifestyle journalists. 

This year, Tourism Ireland’s aim is to increase the value of overseas tourism to the island of Ireland, sustainably supporting economies, communities and the environment. The organisation will do so by inspiring overseas visitors and strengthening strategic partnerships. Tourism Ireland’s message in Britain, and elsewhere around the world, is that the island of Ireland has so much to offer across regions and seasons. The organisation will showcase iconic reasons to travel here, expanding people’s bucket lists from best-known spots to our hidden gems.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “We’re really pleased that so many of our tourism partners from the island of Ireland have joined us in Glasgow this week, highlighting our tourism offering to the influential tour operators and travel agents in attendance. This workshop is a really good opportunity to remind these tour operators and travel agents why Ireland is the ideal choice for their clients for a short break or holiday in 2024.” 

Tourism Ireland’s workshop and networking event was timed to coincide with Celtic Connections, Scotland’s premier winter music festival, so it was also a good opportunity to highlight our music and culture, important components of the holiday experience in Ireland. 

Oliver Stafford, Macs Adventure; Amanda Kelly, Irish National Stud & Gardens; Vivienne Nyhan, Powerscourt Estate; and David Wood, Tourism Ireland, at Tourism Ireland’s Celtic Connections workshop in Glasgow.