Top Global Inbound Tour Operators Explore Ireland

A total of 16 top global inbound tour operators are exploring Ireland this week, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI.

They have been taking part in a B2B workshop in Sligo – connecting with 55 Irish tourism companies, to negotiate for their programmes for 2027 and beyond.

The tour operators – who are based in Britain, France, Italy, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia and Brazil – deliver business from all over the world. They are preparing to sign contracts for 2027 and beyond, so it’s a key time to influence the addition of new tourism products to their programmes that have the potential to deliver more regional and longer-stay business for Ireland.

As well as attending the workshop, the tour operators are also taking part in a fact-finding visit, to experience for themselves the high standard and variety of our tourism offering. Their itinerary includes The Shed Distillery, Arigna Mining Experience, Atlantic Sheepdogs and Hanna Hats of Donegal. The group also enjoyed a tour of the walls in Derry-Londonderry, the Guildhall, Shirt Tales NI, The Chocolate Manor, The Bushmills Inn, The Courthouse Shared Space Creative Hub in Bushmills, the Giant’s Causeway, Belfast Traditional Music Trail, Titanic Belfast and a tour of The Bedford Hotel.

Aisling McDermott, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Global Partnerships, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to welcome these leading global inbound tour operators to Ireland and showcase the experiences that make our destination so special.

"From our spectacular landscapes and rich heritage to our warm welcome, we hope their visit will inspire them to include even more Ireland content in their programmes and itineraries and encourage new operators to feature Ireland for the first time. Ultimately, this helps us attract more international visitors and grow tourism across the island.”