KILLARNEY — Tourism Ireland is marking the 50th anniversary of Meitheal, Ireland’s flagship tourism trade event, by welcoming delegates from over 20 countries to Killarney in Co. Kerry.
Meitheal – pronounced “meh-hill” and meaning “gathering” in Irish – serves as a key platform for connecting the Irish tourism sector with international buyers.
Among the Canadian companies in attendance are Air Canada Vacations, G Adventures, Goway, Executive Global Tours, EF Go Ahead and Royal Irish Tours. The event follows last week’s Meet the Buyer conference in Northern Ireland, both of which provide opportunities for 1:1 appointments, industry networking and FAM trips showcasing the best of the island of Ireland.
Since its inception in 1975, Meitheal has evolved alongside Ireland’s tourism industry. That year, the sector generated £165 million in revenue – equivalent to €1.19 billion today when adjusted for inflation. By 2024, overseas tourism spend had surged to €7 billion, a 10% increase over 2023.
To commemorate the milestone, Tourism Ireland has released a special promotional video featuring archival footage from past advertising campaigns. The video highlights Ireland’s scenic landscapes, vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, set to music by The Cranberries, the globally renowned rock band from County Limerick.
The video showcases the transformation of Ireland’s tourism industry over the past 50 years. Since Meitheal’s launch, Ireland has joined the EU, gained greater global connectivity through affordable air travel and embraced digital innovations in travel marketing. Emerging technologies, including AI, are shaping travel trends, with one-third of holidaymakers now using AI tools for trip planning, according to Tourism Ireland’s latest Sentiment Tracker Research.
Despite these changes, Ireland’s core appeal remains steadfast – breathtaking landscapes, authentic Irish music, rich cultural experiences and a famously warm welcome continue to attract visitors from around the world.
For more information about travel to Ireland, go to https://www.tourismireland.com/. To view the promotional video, click here.
