US agents' flying visit helps promote Foynes
AS part of the ongoing effort to boost tourist numbers to the Mid-West, some of the leading US travel agents spent last weekend in the region in a visit jointly organised by Tourism Ireland, Failte Ireland and Shannon Development.
"Right now in the US market, Tourism Ireland is pulling out all the stops to win business for this year and to keep this region top of mind with the American consumer.
"Our Ireland's Wonderful West Awaits You campaign is in full swing in newspapers, on radio, online and in direct marketing, highlighting how easy and affordable it is to get to Shannon and the West of Ireland," Tom Byrne, Tourism Ireland director for North America said.
"In a difficult year for outbound travel from the US, this is an excellent opportunity to showcase the tourism product in the Shannon Region and highlight the ease of access from the US," he said.
The agents met local tourism providers at a half-day workshop in Limerick that was billed as an opportunity to meet and do business. They were also taken on a walking tour of Limerick city and attended a medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle.
The group also visited Foynes Flying Boat Museum, where they were given a guided tour and enjoyed an Irish Coffee.
Meanwhile, museum director Margaret O'Shaughnessy appeared on one of the US's most influential TV shows, the Today programme on NBC. The show, recorded live at Powerscourt in Wicklow, was broadcast for St Patrick's Day and included interviews with Miriam O'Callaghan, Des Bishop and also featured singer Moya Brennan and the Kilkenny Design Centre.
Ms O'Shaughnessy was asked to demonstrate how to make a real Irish Coffee and told the story of how it was created in Foynes by chef Joe Sheridan.
"It was an unexpected opportunity to promote Foynes and the Mid-West to an audience of over 10 million viewers," she said. "I managed to get a plug in for Shannon and the whole of the Mid-West."
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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