Major new Irish tourism drive to center on Boston and Toronto

Cities targeted in Jump Into Ireland blitz

PATRICK COUNIHAN,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Thursday, May 10, 2012, 8:43 AM

Updated Thursday, May 10, 2012, 8:47 AM

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Famine monument in Toronto

Photo by Google Images

Boston and Toronto are expected to lead the charge in an increase in visitor numbers to Ireland this summer.

Ireland’s Tourism authority has targeted the two cities with a ‘Jump Into Ireland’ sales blitz. In total over 1500 travel agents in nine key US and Canadian cities will form the core of Tourism Ireland’s special promotions plan for 2012.

A recent promotional tour of the North American markets prompted the decision to focus specifically on Toronto and Boston.

The promotions tour included interactive presentations with a ‘virtual tour’ of Ireland, as well as networking with hundreds of travel agents and media contacts in Boston and Toronto.

Similar events are planned for Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver in October.

Alison Metcalfe, vice-president of marketing in the US for Tourism Ireland, told the Irish Examiner:

“North America is a critically important market for tourism to the island of Ireland, second only to Great Britain in terms of visitor numbers. Visitors from North America stay longer, spend more than the average visitor, and tour more extensively around the island.

“Our ‘Jump into Ireland’ events, where we talk directly to travel agents and influential media contacts and tell them what makes the island of Ireland such a fantastic vacation destination, are an excellent opportunity to help grow business from the US and Canada in 2012 and beyond.

“In our promotions, we promise potential visitors an experience that will be unique, full of engagement and great fun and with great access and attractive on-the-ground offers.

“We believe the island of Ireland is well positioned to deliver what an American or Canadian holidaymaker wants.”

Nster.com

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canadianirish | May 11, 2012, 04:48 PM EDT

I couldn't agree more, Bythebay. Toronto has been referred to as the most multicultural city in the world, ahead of New York city. Recently, Martin McGuinness visited T.O. to drum up interest in Northern Ireland as a travel destination. From what I hear, he was very well received. I, for one, will be travelling to Ireland this summer and will also tour Belfast. I can't wait!

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joan1954 | May 11, 2012, 01:27 PM EDT

well Murph 46, let's bring you up to date. The river parade went on and the street parade didn't but good came out of it as Irish and non-Irish together have stepped up to the plate and have offered to help raise funds to revive the parade and there may be some changes. The Irish have never asked for help and this was a wake-up call that a community event needs community support to fundraise.

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Bythebay | May 10, 2012, 05:34 PM EDT

Boston and Toronto are markets where people can afford to come to Ireland. They're also educated and up to date about modern Ireland and don't expect Ireland to be as it was decades ago. Both those cities are centers of multiculturalism and innovation which are modern but have also saved much of their built heritage. They are excellent choices.

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bunkerisland | May 10, 2012, 03:10 PM EDT

Unless there is a reasonable reduction in fares the Yanks won't be flying east this year, even from Boston.

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Murph46 | May 10, 2012, 01:24 PM EDT

Because Texas has shown they don't support the Irish-you of all people should know that Joan losing a St.Patrick's parade over a paltry $12,000,and Dallas having been saved by Mark Cuban to the tune of $100,000.Why would he want to come to a state with that history?

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joan1954 | May 10, 2012, 10:01 AM EDT

Why don't they try and blitz Texas,( and by Texas it is meant from Amarillo in the Panhandle to San Antonio besides Dallas, Austin and Houston) Oklahoma and Arkansas instead of Boston? Promoting Ireland in Boston is like preaching to the choir. It and New York are the heartland of Irish-America.

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