The Irish Travel Agents’ Association (ITAA) promises ‘the biggest travel trade shows ever held in Ireland’ when the sixth annual Irish Travel Trade Shows are held next month.
The face-to-face events are being held in new venues – Imperial Hotel Cork, Cork, on April 6, and Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham, Dublin, on April 7.
More than 150 exhibitors are expected to meet about 300 agency owners, managers and frontline staff during the shows, which will be followed by networking events, sponsored by Andalucia and Spanish tourism boards.
Pat Dawson, ITAA chief executive, said: “The travel industry has a huge appetite to get back out and to see what the various suppliers and destinations have to offer – and these shows are already proving to be bigger than ever before.
“They are an invaluable opportunity for travel agents and tour operators to network with their fellow professionals and discover the latest in travel innovation, product demonstrations and new customer experiences from both Irish and international exhibitors.
“While this is our sixth annual Irish Travel Trade Show in Dublin, it is our first show in Cork which will open the show up to travel professionals in the Munster region.”
Exhibitors range from tourist boards for destinations such as the US, Malta, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt and Croatia, to airlines and airports such as Aer Lingus, Finnair, Icelandair and Cork airport.
Cruise line exhibitors include Princess Cruises and Silversea Cruises, while operators taking a stand include Wendy Wu Tours and G Adventures.
Exhibitors will be running competitions with prizes such as a trip to Lapland, a place on a Saudi fam trip, and trips from Shannon airport to various European destinations.
Registration is free and open to all licensed travel agents and tour operators.