Tourism Ireland Presents
New 'Ireland Showcase'
By MAURA McCAY
VANCOUVER - Tourism Ireland Vice President for Canada, Alison Metcalfe addressed an invited group of tour operators and convention organizers at the 2007 "Ireland Showcase" reception held at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on February 20.
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ALISON METCALFE, Vice-President for Tourism Ireland Canada, with Bob Moony, Sales Manager Jurys Doyle Hotel Group.
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She was joined by representatives of a number of Irish companies and tourism promoters, including the Belfast Visitors Convention Bureau; the Irish Hotels Federation; Jurys Doyle Hotel Group; Royal Irish Tours; Manor House Hotels/Irish Country Hotels; Trafalgar Tours; Bonaventure Tours; Insight Vacations; and the Globus Family of Brands.
At her presentation, Metcalfe spoke about the outstanding natural scenery with breathtaking land and seascapes offered in Ireland. She emphasizes the warmth and friendliness of the people, whose relaxed and welcoming approach help make visitors feel right at home.
The country offers a wide range of diverse regions with something for everyone. There is an abundance of heritage and culture with historic castles, stately homes and gardens, along with a rich tradition of arts and music.
Metcalfe highlighted some of the main visitor attractions in Dublin, such as Trinity College with the Book of Kells, the Old Jameson Distillery, and the National Gallery of Ireland. There is also an abundance of literary and musical pub on offer.
In Belfast, some of the key destinations include Belfast City Hall, the Ulster Museum and Botanical Gardens, Queens Quarters, along with walking tours throughout the city and Titanic Tours.
Throughout the north, there are numerous high quality golfing packages, along with such attractions as cruising the Fermanagh Lakes, the St. Patrick's Heritage Centre in Downpatrick, County Down, and the Giants Causeway on the Antrim Coast.
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MAURA GALLAGHER of the Belfast Visitors Convention Bureau was among the Irish tourism promoters at the Ireland Showcase.
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BALLYHOOLEY provided entertainment at the Tourism Ireland Showcase 2007 reception following the presentation.
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In the west, the Cliffs of Moher in Clare and Yeats country in County Sligo are major tourist draws. Newgrange in County Meath is another popular destination in the east.
The southern part of Ireland offers the Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny Castle, the Dunbrody Famine Ship at Newross, and the not-to-be-missed, spectacular Ring of Kerry.
Vancouver is now considered the second largest market in Canada for delivering visitors to Ireland and improved access with Zoom Airlines offering direct flights from Vancouver to Belfast is a real bonus.
There is a broad range of quality visitor attractions in Ireland, along with excellent hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation.
For full details on planning your next holiday in Ireland, call Tourism Ireland at 1-800-223-6470, e-mail: info.ca@tourismireland.com, or visit: www.discoverireland.com.
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