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Saturday,  November 2, 2024   9:08 PM
Senses of Ireland events kick off Irish Heritage Month in Canada
Participants in Senses of Ireland, Tourism Ireland’s new event series, photographed in Pickering, ON. (Supplied)

Senses of Ireland, Tourism Ireland’s new concept event series, is in full swing this month, kicking off Irish Heritage Month in Canada.

The tourism board, along with industry partners from the island of Ireland, will be transporting the travel trade and media on a “sensory journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of the island of Ireland” this week in a select cities.

The events target locations with strong interest and potential to drive business to Ireland from Canada and aims to engage with more than 220 agents and media over four days.

The gathering kicked off on March 4 in Kitchener/Waterloo and in Pickering, ON on March 5– two core commuter/feeder markets in Toronto, where daily direct air to Dublin is available at four carriers: Air Canada, Aer Lingus, Transat, and WestJet.

The team will head to the Ottawa area on March 6 and then conclude in Halifax on March 7– a continued important market that boasts direct air access to Dublin with WestJet, seasonally from June to October, four times per week.

With many heritage connections on the east coast, the direct route over peak travel season is a welcome yearly addition to the eastern market, says Tourism Ireland.

VIP guests, including Scott Singer, regional performance and partner marketing advisor from WestJet, and Ambassador of Ireland to Canada Eamonn McKee, will be attendance, greeting guests and shared stories of the important connections between the two countries.

Tour operators Royal Irish Tours, Collette, Brendan Vacations and Globus will also take part in the series, highlighting the many travel itineraries and tour packages available across the island, including FIT, escorted group tours and fly-drive programmes targeting a variety of passion points, with options suited to every type of traveller.

Senses of Ireland invites participants to explore various "sense stations" designed to stimulate their senses.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage through "Touch" (immerse in Irish traditions by interacting with the people and the products synonymous with the island of Ireland; "Taste" (savour the flavours of Irish food and drink, with Bushmills’ signature Whiskey on the Rocks experience and fresh apple tarts representing the ‘orchard county’ with Visit Armagh; "Sight" (travel through time and experience Irish heritage with the Irish Family History Centre’s visuals of surnames and leatherbound keepsakes and be treated like kings and queens by experiencing luxury offerings from Adams and Butler); "Sound" (tune into the story telling of Ireland’s past with Dermot Friel from the Famine Soup Kitchen and Angela Newman from Hysterical Histories Cork); and "Smell" (breathe the scents of ''Sense Your Inner Irish" a shortened version of Sensorium, a cocktail experience with Phil Ervine).

“The Canadian travel trade plays a vital role, serving as trusted experts who help determine the choice of destination for their clients, and navigate the complexities of travel planning,” said Sandra Moffatt, country manager, Tourism Ireland, Canada, in a news release.

“This event series provides our industry partners with the opportunity to showcase their product to those eager to plan something new and exciting for their clients, providing increased opportunities for business in 2024 and beyond – all while highlighting the destinations very best asset – it's people!’’

The sign-up link for the events can be found here.  


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