Tourism Ireland, in partnership with its sister agencies on the island of Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, is welcoming US tour operators to a unique virtual travel trade fair this week and next. Meitheal and Meet the Buyer are annual events which provide a platform for tourism providers from right around the island of Ireland to meet new contacts and to do business with buyers from around the world, including the US.

The virtual workshops are taking place from April 13-15 for Meitheal and April 20-22 for Meet The Buyer – with pre-arranged, scheduled appointments between tourism companies from the island of Ireland and international buyers. These events are among the most important in the Irish tourism calendar, allowing tourism providers on the island of Ireland to showcase some of the most compelling and attractive experiences Ireland has to offer, in a bid to influence the travel professionals attending to include Ireland in their vacation programmes for 2022. The industry platform is a key part of the island of Ireland’s recovery plans, facilitating product and programme development for our partners.

Virtual Meitheal 2021 will provide a platform for over 200+ International Travel Trade buyers from 20 countries and 400+ Irish Industry. Virtual Meet the Buyer 2021 will see a record number of influential tour operators from 17 international markets meet with over 200 key representatives from many sectors of the Northern Ireland tourism industry.

Alison Metcalfe, EVP Tourism Ireland US and Canada, said: “Although Meitheal and Meet the Buyer are virtual again this year, they remain a key opportunity to highlight the many unique experiences Ireland has to offer, while facilitating connections between Irish suppliers and US tour operators – to ensure they are ready and able to offer the very best experiences for their clients when it’s time to travel to the island of Ireland again. Working with the travel trade remains a key component of our overall marketing programme of activity in the US. “

Contact Bernard McMullan – bmcmullan@tourismireland.com for more information.