North Carolina Takes Centre Stage at Aer Lingus College Football Classic Trade Event

ITTN's Zoe joined Aer Lingus, Visit USA and Visit North Carolina on Saturday for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, where travel partners enjoyed a full day of enjoying the destination inspiration and one of the biggest sporting events to take place in Dublin each year. The day got underway at The Morgan Hotel, where travel partners gathered for a summer BBQ before making their way to the Aviva Stadium. At the Morgan, agents were given a presentation learning more about everything North Carolina has to offer Irish travellers.

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During the presentation, Visit North Carolina showcased why the state continues to be one of the most diverse destinations in the US. From lively cities and the Blue Ridge Mountains to coastal towns. A real highlight was hearing about the Outer Banks, a chain of barrier islands with more than 300 miles of coastline. Known for its wide sandy beaches, iconic lighthouses and laid-back coastal towns, it is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a beach holiday with plenty to explore. Travellers can spend their days surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, spotting wild horses or relaxing by the ocean. North Carolina's food and drink scene was also in the spotlight, with guests hearing about the state's growing craft beer industry. One venue that stood out was Raleigh Beer Garden, owned by Irishman Niall Hanley. The venue is home to the world's largest selection of draft beer, with hundreds of beers on tap, making it one of Raleigh's biggest attractions and a must-visit for beer lovers. Ivan Beacon also highlighted how easy it is for Irish travellers to visit the state, with direct flights from Dublin to Raleigh-Durham making North Carolina more accessible than ever.

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After the presentation, it was time to swap the BBQ for the Aviva Stadium, where thousands of fans dressed in purple and blue were already creating an incredible atmosphere ahead of kick-off. Even before the game started, it was clear this was much more than just a football match. American college football is known for putting on a show a full production- and agents got the full experience. From the minute agents took their seats, there was entertainment everywhere. The marching bands filled the stadium with music; the cheerleaders and dancers, and every break in play was packed with performances. The team entrances were another standout moment. The lights, music, and huge crowd reactions created an electric atmosphere, with fans from both sides going crazy as TCU and North Carolina ran onto the field. The game itself certainly lived up to expectations, with both teams producing some brilliant moments that had NFL fans going crazy; even those who were experiencing American football for the first time couldn't help but get caught up in the excitement.

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The Aer Lingus College Football Classic has become one of Dublin's biggest annual sporting events, while also showcasing the strong partnership between Ireland and the United States. Events like these are also a great opportunity for the travel trade, giving agents a chance to learn more about destinations like North Carolina while experiencing a taste of American culture without leaving Dublin. The day was a brilliant mix of destination inspiration and unforgettable entertainment. For agents, it was easy to see why the Aer Lingus College Football Classic continues to grow in popularity every year.