Tourism

Irish at Glasgow B2B

A delegation of tourism businesses from Ireland was in Glasgow this week, taking part in Tourism Ireland’s first celtic0120

promotion of 2020 in Scotland – a B2B workshop and networking event with travel professionals from Scotland and the north of England.

Pictured are Sinéad Smith, MOLI – Museum of Literature Ireland; Mary-Therese Byrne, Dublinia; Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland; and Danny Callaghan, Action Tours, at Tourism Ireland’s B2B workshop and networking event in Glasgow.

Thirty Irish tourism businesses – including hotels, visitor attractions and regional tourism organisations – have been meeting, and doing business with, influential Scottish tour operators and travel agents, as well local travel and lifestyle journalists.

Ireland on 'WeChat'

Tourism Ireland has joined forces with WeChat, the popular messaging, social media and mobile payment app in China. mobile0210

The partnership involves a new mini-programme on WeChat, called ‘Explore Ireland’ – designed to make it as easy as possible for prospective Chinese visitors to choose the island of Ireland.

The online guide features information on visas for travel to Ireland, festivals happening here right throughout the year, hotels, visitor attractions, great filming locations to visit, the perfect honeymoon spots, a map navigation, as well as a translation function. Chinese visitors to the island of Ireland can also complete their tax refund on any purchases made here within the mini-programme.

Town and Village Video

Tourism Ireland has created a new online film showcasing the charming towns and villages to be found right around the island of Ireland – which make the perfect base for our westport0120

overseas visitors.

Titled "The island of Ireland’s towns and villages", Tourism Ireland’s video was created to remind people everywhere why Ireland is the perfect choice for a holiday – where they’ll discover heritage towns full of history, quaint cottages and picturesque coastal villages, as well as great food, music-filled pubs and warm welcomes! Tourism Ireland is encouraging prospective visitors to take time to explore our towns and villages, sample delicious food and experience the warmest of welcomes.

Fáilte Ireland promotes Guide careers

Fáilte Ireland held the first in a series of networking events for student Tour Guides at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin as part its commitment to promote careers in the tourism guides0120

industry.

The networking event was attended by over 100 education professionals and students who are completing the National Tour Guiding Level 6 QQI award. Representatives attended from Coláiste Dhúlaigh; Liberties College, Dublin; Dublin and Dun Laoghaire ETB; GMIT and Portobello Institute with presentations including an overview of the industry and discussions on the career and employment options available.

'65% growth for 9% Vat' deal proposed

ITIC has claimed that the Irish tourissm industry can deliver growth of 65% if the incoming government restores the 9% Vat rate. The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation itictrio

published its election manifesto and said Brexit, weakened demand and increased costs of business have resulted in revenue falling by 1% in 2019 with regional Ireland hit hardest.

The confederation is made up of tourism businesses and stakeholders including Aer Lingus, B&B Ireland, Irish Ferries, the Restaurant Association of Ireland and the Vintner’s Federation of Ireland.

Along with a VAT reduction, the confederation said the cost of insurance must also be addressed.