Senses of Ireland, Tourism Ireland’s new event series, is back on the East Coast this March, kicking off Irish Heritage Month in Canada. Tourism Ireland, along with industry partners from across the island of Ireland, will transport the travel trade and media on a sensory journey through the island's breath-taking landscapes and rich culture this week and highlight what sets the island apart through its diverse product offerings.
The event series targets cities with strong interest and potential to drive business to Ireland from Canada and aims to connect with 220+ agents and media over four days.
Kicking off in Kitchener/Waterloo on 04MAR, followed by Pickering, two core commuter/feeder markets into Toronto offering direct daily air access into Dublin with four carriers: Air Canada, Aer Lingus, Transat, and WestJet. The team then heads to the Ottawa area to connect with key travel agents and Ireland specialists, eager to sell Ireland’s key product experiences and luxury offerings.
The event series concludes in Halifax, a continued important market that boasts direct air access to Dublin with WestJet, seasonally from June-October 4 times per week. With many heritage connections on the East Coast, the direct route over peak travel season is a welcome yearly addition to the Eastern market. VIP guests, including Scott Singer, Regional Performance and Partner Marketing Advisor from WestJet, and Ambassador of Ireland to Canada Eamonn McKee, were also in attendance, greeting guests and shared stories of the important connections between the two countries. Tour Operators Royal Irish Tours, Collette, Brendan Vacations and Globus will also take part in the series highlighting the wide variety of travel itineraries and tour packages available across the island, including FIT, escorted group tours and fly-drive programmes targeting a variety of passion points, with options suited to every type of traveller.
Senses of Ireland invited participants to explore various "sense stations" designed to stimulate their senses. Attendees had the opportunity to:
Touch: Immerse themselves in Irish traditions by interacting with the people and the products synonymous with the island of Ireland
Taste: Savour the exquisite flavours of Irish food and drink, with Bushmills’ signature Whiskey on the Rocks experience and fresh apple tarts representing the ‘orchard county’ with Visit Armagh.
Sight: Travel through time and experience Irish heritage with the Irish Family History Centre’s visual representations of surnames and leatherbound keepsakes and be treated like kings and queens of yesterday by experience all the luxury offerings Adams and Butler provide.
Sound: Tune into the story telling of Ireland’s past with Dermot Friel from the Famine Soup Kitchen and Angela Newman from Hysterical Histories Cork.
Smell: Breathe in the evocative scents of ''Sense Your Inner Irish" a shortened version of Sensorium, an interactive sensory cocktail experience with Phil Ervine.
Sandra Moffatt, Country Manager, Tourism Ireland, Canada, said. “The Canadian travel trade plays a vital role, serving as trusted experts who help determine the choice of destination for their clients, and navigate the complexities of travel planning. This event series provides our industry partners with the opportunity to showcase their product to those eager to plan something new and exciting for their clients, providing increased opportunities for business in 2024 and beyond – all while highlighting the destinations very best asset – it's people!’’
