27 tourism companies from around Ireland took part in a virtual "Ireland Meets the Middle East" event that was hosted by Tourism Ireland on Monday March 8 and Tuesday March 9.
The two day virtual event was organised by Tourism Ireland to allow the tourism companies from Ireland to connect with more than 200 Middle Eastern travel agents and tour operators based in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey via a series of one-to-one, pre-scheduled video appointments.
The event also included a virtual auditorium with panel discussions, webinars, entertainment and videos showcasing Ireland. These highlighted Ireland's luxury, outdoors and soft adventure offerings, as well as its culture, its culinary offering and the safety charters that are in place on the island of Ireland.
The aim of the event was to promote Ireland to these influential Middle Eastern travel agents and tour operators to position the country well for when the time is right to welcome international visitors again.
"Delighted"
Tourism Ireland's manager for Asia and the Middle East, Aisling McDermott, stated, "Tourism Ireland is delighted that over 200 travel agents and tour operators from across the Middle East are taking the time to join us, and our partners from Ireland, for our virtual 'Ireland Meets the Middle East' event. The participation of these influential travel professionals is a strong indication that interest in visiting Ireland remains high.
"Our message for the Middle Eastern travel agents and tour operators is that, when the time is right, we will have everything ready to welcome their clients back to our shores. We'll be assuring them that tourism companies across the island of Ireland have been implementing all the required new health and safety measures, but will still be ready to deliver a fantastic holiday experience for their clients."
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