TORONTO — Ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, Trafalgar is shining the spotlight on its 14 unique itineraries in Ireland, including the brand new ‘Shamrocks and Leprechauns’.
The 10-day family trips officially launches in April 2019 and features highlights like a meet-and-greet with Ireland’s last remaining Leprechaun Whisperer, and a hands-on Atlantic sheepdog ‘Be My Guest farm experience.
Noting, however, that 69% of today’s clients seek experiences that take them beyond the tourist track, Trafalgar is also highlighting how tourism can be a force for good and supporting local communities.
“The tourism sector has immense opportunity and power to stimulate economic activity, which delivers jobs, sense of purpose and participation,” said Trafalgar’s Global CEO, Gavin Tollman. “By encouraging dispersal and year-round travel, this helps communities outside of the main centres – sites of cultural significance and history – to remain thriving.”
For example, at the Giant’s Causeway, Trafalgar’s visits have helped the National Trust build a world-class Visitor Centre and accessible clifftop walk for families and people with disabilities to be able to enjoy this world-famous attraction. Also, in Killarney, Trafalgar’s visits to Muckross Farms help sustain the livelihood of rural farmers, with hands-on storytelling playing an important role.
The company’s ‘Be My Guest’ experiences, which celebrate 10 years in 2019, are another way Trafalgar supports tourism dispersal. These experiences help sustain the upkeep of historic properties, cultures and local stories. Examples include the 16th-century Westport House in County Mayo, where clients dine in the Old Kitchens and hear the story of the Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley, as well as Liscannor Bay near the Cliffs of Moher, where guests embark on a foraging walk with a local horticulturalist.
“We pride ourselves on offering unique opportunities for clients to connect with the real Ireland – and they love that when they travel with us, they can see the tangible impact their visits are making in lesser-known destinations while enjoying the richest possible travel experience,” added Tollman.
