Business from Donegal were amongst more than 360 Irish businesses from across the country who flocked to the CityWest conference centre in Dublin to sell the best of Donegal to top tourism buyers from every corner of the globe.
The Donegal businesses which showcased at the event included the Shandon Hotel and Spa, Harvey’s Point Resort, Donegal Tourism, Jackson’s Hotel, Villa Rose Hotel, Lough Eske Castle, Triona, Donegal Tweed Centre, Abbey Central & Nesbitt Arms Hotels, Creevy Cottages, Lifford Old Courthouse,Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Ireland By Bike, Donegal Town Enterprise Scheme, Sliabh Liag Tours, Mount Errigal Hotel, Downings Coastguard Cottages, Fanad Lighthouse, Great Northern Hotel and Slieve League Cultural Centre,
Each of the buyers represent tens of thousands of possible customers and the opportunity to influence their travel itineraries for 2019 is invaluable.
Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, emphasised that, although tourism is doing well, nothing can ever be taken for granted and events like this are crucial to sustaining the activity which has underpinned recent tourism growth.
Held annually each spring and organised by Fáilte Ireland, in association with Tourism Ireland, Meitheal workshops provide a platform for Irish tourism operators to win new contracts and customers for next season and beyond.
The overseas buyers were also brought on several fact-finding tours across the country by Fáilte Ireland to give them a first-hand experience of what their clients can expect to see and do while in Ireland. During their visit to the Wild Atlantic Way the group visited the many iconic attractions in the Donegal area.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin, T.D. revealed that last year alone Ireland welcomed an estimated 9 million tourists to regions across the country.
He said “For a small island, we have a huge amount to offer thanks to our world-class scenery, hospitality, activities, attractions, culture, heritage and food – the list is endless. The richness of our offer is testament to what a strong, collaborative and innovative industry we have.
“I was delighted to welcome the overseas delegates to this year’s Meitheal together with the Irish tourism trade, and I’m confident that over the week, they got to see first-hand what it is that sets Ireland apart as an outstanding visitor destination.”
Pictured attending Meitheal were representatives from the many Donegal tourism industry with Treacy Coughlan, Fáilte Ireland. Photo: Chris Bellew/Fennell Photography
Paul Mockler, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Commercial Development, emphasised that Ireland is very much noted for being the land of a thousand welcomes but tourism for us is not just about the big welcome – it is one of the country’s leading industries and a key economic driver.
“Tourism generates economic activity in communities such as Donegal, and across the length and breadth of the country and, in many regions, it is the foremost industry.”
“Fáilte Ireland knows that, as an industry, we must not rest on our laurels and take this success for granted. That’s why, through initiatives like Meitheal, we always strive to work with tourism partners in Donegal to find ways to constantly develop our offer as we attract visitors from all walks of life and all corners of the globe.”
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