DUBLIN — Tourism Ireland welcomed international buyers from 17 countries, including Canada, to Ireland this week for the country’s largest annual global travel trade events: Meitheal (Killarney, Co. Kerry) and Meet the Buyer (Belfast, Northern Ireland).

Five representatives from Canadian tour operators had the opportunity to connect with 450+ Irish businesses, to expand and enhance future programming. All in all there were 310+ appointments over four days.

Says Sandra Moffatt, Tourism Ireland’s Manager, Canada: “International events such as Meitheal and Meet the Buyer are hugely important in creating a strong pipeline of business as we continue to recover, build, and create new opportunities to ensure Ireland is top of mind when developing itineraries and identifying new product to include on future programmes. The events also offer the opportunity to showcase the depth and diversity of experiences available across the island of Ireland to buyers, as we continue to develop sustainable tourism growth from across Canada this year.”

The events also included pre- and post-familiarization trips, with Canadian buyers celebrating St Patrick’s Day on the Emerald Isle, including a backstage tour and VIP viewing of the highly anticipated return of the spectacular national St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin and walking in the Killarney town parade.

Canada is the 10th largest market for overseas tourism to the island of Ireland. In 2019, Canadian tourists spent €209/£182 million on the island of Ireland, making Canada the eighth-largest source of overseas revenue for the island. Ireland welcomed 248,000 tourists from Canada in 2019, making 2019 the 10th year of consecutive growth.