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Norwegian Hospitality to the Fore at Into Norway/Aer Lingus Function in Dublin

Writer: Sharon Jordan
Sharon Jordan
3 days ago
2 min read

Last Tuesday at the Norwegian Ambassador’s residence on Dublin's Ailesbury Road, the travel trade was treated to the absolute best of Norway's food, beverages, and culture.



A huge shout-out goes to Chef Tor-Ivar Furuset from Lemonsjø Fjellstue (Mountain Lodge), who curated the evening’s exceptional culinary experience, and to the wonderful Stephanie from Atlungstad Brenneri (Distillery) for the amazing, custom-designed Aquavit cocktails—which, for those who haven’t tried them, are an absolute must.



Most importantly, Ambassador Aslak Brun and his wife, Synnøve Roald, opened their home with welcoming arms and exceptional hospitality. To our wonderful surprise, State Secretary Sigrid Ina Simonsen was also in attendance. She delivered a thought-provoking speech highlighting the close similarities between our two countries and the significant growth of "coolcations" within the tourism sphere.



The night was led by Jenny Rafter, Head of Global Leisure Sales at Aer Lingus, and Sten Harald Norund Hansson, Director of Tourism for Rada Reiseliv / Into Norway—who bravely dressed in traditional Norwegian attire despite an unseasonal 24 degrees in Dublin! Sten and his charismatic team ensured the night was packed with authentic Norwegian experiences, including beautiful singing and music provided by Marita Aanekre and Geir Marius Thorud, followed by plenty of dancing from the Irish travel trade.



But the excitement didn’t stop there. World-class actor Thorbjørn Harr—known to many of us from his role as Jarl Borg in the award-winning series Vikings—delivered a stirring and powerful rendition of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, Peer Gynt. Thank you, Thorbjørn!



This delegation of Norwegian suppliers came to Dublin to impress, and they achieved it in abundance.


Attending Suppliers & Partners


The delegation featured a fantastic cross-section of nature, culture, accommodation, and regional tourism boards from across Inland Norway (Innlandet):

  • Alpinco (Hafjell & Kvitfjell Alpine Resorts)

  • Atlungstad Brenneri (Historic Distillery)

  • Pellestova Hotell Hafjell

  • Venabu Fjellhotell og Hytter (Mountain Hotel & Cabins)

  • Lemonsjøen Fjellstue og Hyttegrend

  • Peer Gynt AS (Cultural Festival)

  • Anno Museum

  • Stiftelsen Lillehammer Museum

  • Avinor (Airports of Norway)

  • Rada Reiseliv / Into Norway

  • Supported by regional food and tourism groups: Mat & Drikke Innlandet SA, Visit Valdres, Visit Jotunheimen, Visit Øst-Norge, and Visit Røros og Østerdalen.



Having been on the recent Aer Lingus and Into Norway fam trip just two weeks ago, I can personally attest to the deep passion and dedication this delegation has for the Irish travel industry. There is incredible conviction from both sides in ensuring that the 4-weekly, May-to-October route between Dublin and Oslo is a roaring success.


Read the full coverage from the 3 night fam trip on ITTN. 



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