Twelve Spanish travel agents explored Athlone recently as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. The travel agents work with Special Tours, one of the largest traditional tour operators in Spain.
The aim of the visit was to familiarise the travel professionals with Ireland and our superb tourism offering, so that when they return home, they will be better informed and more enthusiastic than ever about Ireland, when advising their clients about planning and booking their holidays here.
The group’s action-packed itinerary included a Viking Whiskey Cruise on Lough Ree with Athlone Whiskey Tours and Viking Tours Ireland. The group also visited Athlone Castle and had lunch at The Left Bank Bistro.
“We were delighted to invite this group of Spanish travel agents to explore Athlone and Ireland. There really is no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer at first-hand. Our aim is that when they return home, the travel agents will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2023 and beyond.
“Spain is an important market for tourism to Ireland and fact-finding visits like this are a key element of the work that Tourism Ireland undertakes with the important travel trade in Spain,” Susan Bolger, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Spain, said.
Spain is the fifth-largest market for overseas tourism to the island of Ireland. In 2019, we welcomed 431,000 Spanish visitors; revenue generated by Spanish visitors that year was €218 million.
