Tourism Ireland leads sales blitz to the United States

‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission visits Chicago, Raleigh, Washington DC and Philadelphia 

Tourism Ireland, together with a delegation of 14 tourism companies from the island of Ireland, five US tour operators and two airlines – Aer Lingus and United Airlines – is undertaking a sales mission to the United States this week. 

The ‘Best of Ireland’ sales blitz is visiting the key cities of Chicago, Raleigh, Washington DC and Philadelphia. The schedule includes a B2B event in each city, featuring interactive presentations to showcase Ireland and hundreds of meetings with key US travel professionals. It’s a valuable opportunity to inspire and influence the US travel agents, helping to deliver more regional and longer-stay business for Ireland in 2026 and beyond.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “This week’s ‘Best of Ireland’ sales mission to Chicago, Raleigh, Washington DC and Philadelphia provides an excellent platform to connect our tourism partners from Ireland with key US travel professionals – inspiring those travel professionals about what the island of Ireland has to offer and, importantly, to encourage them to include the destination in their future programmes and recommend it to their clients. We’ll be shining a spotlight on the many things to see and do on a holiday on the island of Ireland in 2026 and beyond. 

“Direct, convenient and affordable air access is a key driver of visitor growth, particularly from the United States. This summer will see direct flights from a record 23 gateways across the US, including the newly launched Raleigh-Durham to Dublin service operated by Aer Lingus, making it easier than ever for American holidaymakers to visit the island of Ireland.”