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*HowToEnjoy.co.uk RECOMMENDED*
November 17 2005, Thursday,
10am-5pm
According to one of the World Travel Market’s press releases, ‘A total
of 5,194 national tourist offices, industry organisations, tour
operators, hotels, cruise lines, airlines, other transport operators and
technology companies from 202 representative countries and regions are
participating,’ in this year’s World Travel Market (WTM). So, the advice
is to allow your legs a full day, to walk around and see everything! We
enjoyed what we saw - earlier this week - when we visited the annual
travel trade show, over two consecutive days. What was our need, in
attending? Well, the next country we intend to visit is Ireland, so we
had a particular interest in discovering just what was on offer, at the
Irish Tourism stand. When we found the stand, we collected a folder of
press releases and started to flick through them, stopping at ones that
caught our eye. One that did, read, ‘Tourism interests from along the
entire stretch of the Western Regions of Ireland have come together to
promote the unique offering of this special part of Ireland, encouraged
by the dramatic increase in direct flights to the area which itself is
indicative of the growing tourist interests, particularly evident this
year. There are now over 300 flights touching down every week in the
Western Regions and these new flights are making it much easier for
holidaymakers and for conference and meetings organisers to experience
the area. The launch setting for the Ireland’s Western Regions 2006
tourism cooperative marketing plan – which seeks to build on the
opportunity presented by the new flights – was the top deck of the Naval
Ship L.E. Niamh [just arrived from, and soon to return to, Cork] at the
World Travel Market in London. A ship was most appropriate for an area
of Ireland that is dominated by water from its dramatic Atlantic
Coastline through its myriad of Rivers and Lakes. Launching the
E1.5million marketing initiative, Ireland’s Minister for Arts Sport and
Tourism, Mr John O’Donoghue, confirmed that “almost 2.3 million visitors
from around the world visited Ireland’s Western Regions last years and
the expectations, based on positive feedback of holidaymakers and the
increased number of new flights, is that even more will be welcomed in
2006.”’ We attended two Irish Tourism events on the Tuesday. They were,
“Meet The West of Ireland,” on the Naval Ship, in the afternoon followed
by an evening, where – after a lovely Irish meal and before a wonderful
performance of Irish music and traditional dance - we heard the Minister
outlining plans, not only for the western coast of Ireland, but also for
a new conference centre to be built in Dublin. So, it seems that it is
all happening across the Irish Sea! But which airports should visitors
fly to? Another press release, we were given, had the answers, ‘Ireland
West Tourism once again team up with Shannon Development and North-West
Tourism to promote the West of Ireland as a holiday destination. The
airports of Ireland West […which are five in number…] Knock, Galway,
Shannon, Donegal and Derry will also support the campaign as well as
Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland.’
The same release goes on to say, ‘The intention is to entice UK visitors
to visit the West and promote the ease of access to the region from the
UK through a number of airports.’ So, there you have it! When you visit
Ireland, fly to one of these western-based airports! And when you do,
you will discover that there is much to see and much to do along the
island’s western coast. Now, what about the Ireland’s eastern coast? Two
events are worth noting. The coming year sees the Ryder Cup coming to
County Kildare - which is within easy reach of Dublin City - whilst
Belfast is currently celebrating 15 months of culture, all centred on
the 2006 centenary of the Belfast City Hall. When you get to Northern
Ireland – or before you do, do as is suggested… check out the MAGNI
website! According to their own press release, ‘Heritage and culture
have always been an important part of history in Northern Ireland and
that is exactly what The National Museums and Galleries of Northern
Ireland (MAGNI) continues to preserve. Comprising of five locations
throughout the province [of Ulster], each with its very own unique
offering, it is really worthwhile taking some time to look at The MAGNI
network. From fascinating insights into historical periods from the
Pyramids of Egypt, right through to conflict, the famine and migration,
modern day life and a future we can only predict, via transport,
genealogy, fashion and science.’ Now, after all that educational
culture, what about finding a hospitable place to stay? Well, another of
the organisations exhibiting at this year’s WTM, can provide you with
over 300 suggestions. Yes, it is Irish Farmhouse Holidays, and an
extract of its press release reads, ‘Irish Farmhouse Holidays have 300
farmhouse bed and breakfast owners and some self catering operators, all
on working farms. Collectively they have over one thousand years of
delivering the essence of genuine Irish hospitality with a warmth and
kindness that has earned them the respect and affection of their guests.
The owners are a fountain of local knowledge and undoubtedly enhance and
maximize their guests enjoyment of their stay in Ireland.’ In short,
join the thousands, heading for WTM today – then join the millions in
2006, heading to Ireland for relaxation, culture and hospitality.
MENU A: £10 (or free if you download a form from internet, and complete it)
E: wtm@tsm.co.uk
F: 0870 733 3984
L: World Travel Market, ExCeL London, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria
Dock, London, E16
N: 0870 733 3986
T: Custom House (Docklands Light Railway)
W:
http://www.GoWestIreland.com/
http://www.irelandwest.ie/
http://www.irishfarmholidays.com/
http://www.iwhh.com/
http://www.magni.org.uk/
http://www.shannondev.ie/
http://www.visitdublin.com/
http://www.wtmlondon.com/
X:
http://www.howtoenjoy.co.uk/countries/ireland.htm
http://www.howtoenjoy.info/interests/travel.htm
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