Over 60 US travel writers and editors are visiting Ireland this week, to attend a major travel writers’ conference.
Details
Ashford Castle is the venue for the Travel Classics International writers’ conference, which is taking place over four days.
On Day One of the conference, Tourism Ireland – as the grand sponsor of the event – hosted a welcome dinner in the George V Dining Room in Ashford Castle, in association with Brendan Vacations and Ashford Castle. The keynote speaker was Jesse Ashlock, the deputy global editorial director and US editor of Condé Nast Traveler.
The Travel Classics International writers’ conference brings together editors from a wide range of publications, including magazines like Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure and AFAR.
Over the coming days, freelance American travel writers will have the opportunity to meet with assigning editors from travel, food and lifestyle publications in the US. The travel writers and editors will also have the chance to meet with a number of Irish tourism industry leaders and take part in various pre- and post-familiarisation visits, so they can experience at first-hand some of the many great things to see and do on a holiday in Ireland.
Siobhan McManamy, interim chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said, “We are delighted that the Travel Classics International writers’ conference has returned to Ireland this year and [are] really pleased to be the grand sponsor of this important event. With some of the most influential and prominent American travel and lifestyle editors and writers in attendance, it will bring huge exposure about what Ireland has to offer American holidaymakers, through the media, in this important tourism market. It is a fantastic opportunity to show these travel writers and editors at first-hand what makes Ireland such a unique destination.”
Paul Kelly, chief executive of Fáilte Ireland, said, “This year’s Travel Classics Conference marks the seventh time this event has been hosted in Ireland, and Fáilte Ireland is very proud to help organise with our colleagues in Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. It is very timely, following the recent visit of US President Biden, and is further testament to the close bond between our two countries. The event promises to deliver an unforgettable and immersive Irish experience for US media right across the island of Ireland, thanks to a series of tours organised by Fáilte Ireland’s international publicity team and colleagues in Tourism Northern Ireland. The conference will also showcase the breadth of tourist offerings along the Wild Atlantic Way, providing a unique opportunity for more than 30 industry partners to engage with US media and share the stories behind these great attractions and businesses. The US media can also look forward to a visual extravaganza, as characters from our unique Púca Festival bring to life the origins of Halloween here in Ireland.”
Additional Information
The Travel Classics International writers’ conference has taken place in Ireland previously, at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, in Kilkenny (2017); Ballymaloe House, in Co. Cork (2013); the Conrad Dublin (2011); the Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast (2009); the G Hotel, in Galway (2007); and the Park Hotel Kenmare (2005).
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