Representatives of Italian tour operator Francorosso, together with 20 of Italy's top-producing travel agents, are visiting Ireland this week as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.
The purpose of the group's visit is to sample the experiences on offer along the Wild Atlantic Way and in Ireland’s Ancient East in a bid to familiarise the travel agents with the country, so that when they return home they will be better able to advise their clients when planning and booking holidays.
Niamh Kinsella, Tourism Ireland’s manager Italy, commented, “Italy is an important market for tourism to the island of Ireland and visits like this are a key element of the work that Tourism Ireland undertakes each year with the travel trade in Italy. There really is no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer first-hand. Our aim is to enthuse the travel agents about the destination, so that when they return home, they are better equipped to advise their clients on future travel plans.
“2017 was the best year ever for tourism from Italy to Ireland, when we welcomed around 363,300 Italian visitors, up 5.5% on 2016. Tourism Ireland is determined to ensure that success continues and the organisation has an extensive programme of promotions under way in Italy in 2018.”
