‘Senses of Ireland,’ Tourism Ireland’s new concept event series, is rolling through eastern Canada this week, kicking off March Irish Heritage Month in Canada. Along with industry partners from across the island of Emerald Isle, Tourism Ireland is aiming to transport the travel trade and on a sensory journey through Ireland while its diverse product offerings.
The event series is targeting cities with strong interest and potential to drive business to Ireland from Canada and expects to connect with 220-plus agents and media over four days.
Events were held in Kitchener/Waterloo and Pickering, Ont. – two core commuter/feeder markets into Toronto offering direct daily air access into Dublin with four carriers: Air Canada, Aer Lingus, Transat, and WestJet; then on to Ottawa and concluding in Halifax, the latter and important market for Ireland that boasts heritage connections plus direct air access to Dublin with WestJet, seasonally from June-October four times per week.
Local participants on the tour include Irish Ambassador to Canada Eamonn McKee, along with representatives from WestJet, Royal Irish Tours, Collette, Brendan Vacations and Globus family of brands.
Reflecting the Senses of Ireland theme, show attendees were invited to explore various “sense stations” designed to stimulate their senses. Among them:
- Touch: Immerse themselves in Irish traditions by interacting with the people and the products synonymous with the island of Ireland
- Taste: Savour the exquisite 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 visual representations of surnames and leatherbound keepsakes and be treated like kings and queens of yesterday by experience all the luxury offerings Adams and Butler provide.
- 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.
- Smell: Breathe in the evocative scents of ”Sense Your Inner Irish” a shortened version of Sensorium, an interactive sensory 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 Tourism Ireland country manager Sandra Moffatt. “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!’’