Australian and New Zealand travel agents eye up Mayo

A GROUP of Australian and New Zealand travel agents has been visiting Mayo, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

The travel agents are all ‘Ireland specialists’, who have taken part in Tourism Ireland’s extensive online training programme about Ireland.

The aim of the travel agents’ visit is to familiarise them with Ireland and our superb tourism offering, so that when they return home, they will be better informed and more enthusiastic than ever about Ireland when advising their clients about planning and booking their holidays here.

Their busy itinerary includes afternoon tea and a falconry display at Ashford Castle, a bread-making experience at The Irish Soda Bread Way and a visit to Westport House. The travel agents stayed overnight at The Wyatt and had dinner at Lydon’s Lodge and M.J. Hoban’s.

Sofia Hansson, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Australia and New Zealand, said: “We were delighted to invite this group of Australian and New Zealand travel agents to explore Ireland. There really is no substitute for being able to come and experience what Ireland has to offer at first-hand.

"Our aim is that when they return home, the travel agents will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2024 and beyond.”