Friday, June 21, 2024
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Tourism Ireland’s efforts to boost golf tourism from North America were highlighted at the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention in Michigan this week.
Twelve (12) golf and tourism operators from Ireland participated alongside Tourism Ireland at the convention, which drew over 300 golf and travel professionals mainly from the US and Canada. Over two days, participants engaged in pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings and networking sessions, crucial for securing contracts and fostering partnerships for 2024 and beyond.
Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “The IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the island of Ireland and our world-class golf. Golf is the world’s largest sports-related travel market and Tourism Ireland is working hard to drive home the message that a golfing holiday in Ireland is about much more than a round of 18 holes – the combination of our world-class golf and our unique brand of hospitality plays a key role in attracting golfers from North America.
“Our participation at this convention is just one element of Tourism Ireland’s busy promotional programme to inspire more golfers from North America and other key golf markets to consider a holiday on the island of Ireland. We’re also taking every opportunity to highlight the fact that The Open will return to Royal Portrush in 2025 and the Ryder Cup will take place at Adare Manor in 2027.”
Earlier this year, Tourism Ireland, alongside golf and tourism operators from the island of Ireland, also participated in IAGTO conventions in Abu Dhabi and Málaga.
Brendan Keogh from SWING Golf Ireland, Cormac Ryan representing Killeen Castle, Natalia O’Hanlon of Hastings Hotels, Paul McCanny from Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links, Sinead McNicholl of Dunluce Lodge, George Diamondis representing Tourism NI, Joe Murphy from Fáilte Ireland, Breffne McKenna of Castlemartyr Resort, Jeffrey Yau from Tourism Ireland, Leigh Heggarty of Galgorm, Brendan Mackey representing The K Club, Dave Wensley from North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland, Marie Collins of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg, Nessa McCall from Activities Ireland, and John Eggleston representing Ballybunion Golf Club, all participated in the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention in Michigan.
