Last week, many of Ireland’s top incoming tour operators and representatives fro…

Last week, many of Ireland’s top incoming tour operators and representatives from leading visitor attractions paid a visit to the twin towns of Killaloe/ Ballina.

The visit was organized and co-ordinated by Heritage Island the leading marketing organisation for Ireland’s premier attractions and heritage towns.

The tour operating companies represented included Abbey Tours, Ovation Ireland, Premier Travel, Hello Ireland, Travel Choice, Irish Education Partners, and Moloney & Kelly. Some of these operators were already familiar with what this Lough Derg destination has to offer, currently working with the Killaloe River Cruises and the Lakeside Hotel in particular, but for others it was an introduction to the area.

Visitor attractions represented on the visit included Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublinia, Tullamore DEW, Kilbeggan Distillery, Glasnevin Cememetery Museum, Lismore Heritage Centre, House of Waterford Crystal and Irish National Stud. For them it was an opportunity to experience other attractions and network with each other, exchanging business ideas.

The Familiarisation Trip highlighted what Ballina / Killaloe has to offer both group tours and independent visitors alike, offering a very attractive alternative to the more frequently visited destinations, such as the Lakes of Killarney, and other high profile heritage sites.

The operators were particularly impressed with the warmth of welcome they received in Killaloe/ Ballina, in particular the Kincora Call, which was performed for them in the Lakeside Hotel, by St. Anne’s students. They also noted that the proximity to the motorway made Killaloe/ Ballina very accessible to visitors touring the country.

Caroline Rice, Executive Director with Heritage Island commented that ‘.. the Fam Trip was a tremendous success, and some tour operators indicated that, having now experienced what is on offer first hand, they would be very keen to promote Killaloe/ Ballina in their future itineraries, to encourage more visitors to the area.”