Tourism Ireland says it has “never been easier or more affordable” for Australians to make their way to the charming North Atlantic island.
It comes on the eve of St. Patricks day and ahead of Cathay Pacific launching its inaugural Hong Kong to Dublin flights on June 2.
The four-times weekly service will mark the first-ever direct route between Australia and Dublin via Asia.
“The access is a catalyst for the growth,” Tourism Ireland’s Marketing Manager for Australia and New Zealand Sofia Hansson exclusively told KARRYON.
“Last year Qatar launched their route to Dublin so in the space of two years we have two more carriers coming in.”
Tourism Ireland’s Marketing Manager for Australia and New Zealand Sofia Hansson.
Now that Dublin is easier than ever to access from Australia, Tourism Ireland is positioning Ireland as the “perfect way to start and end to Europe trips”.
Part of this push is a new series of videos Tourism Ireland has launched on its website, highlighting the “warm Irish welcome” that tourists receive during their trip.
“We have some new activity highlighting the Irish Welcome, the local people, and a few short videos of characters telling little nuggets from local attractions,” Sofia told KARRYON.
Another focus for attracting Australian visitors is putting the spotlight on Irelands rugged, ancient and beautiful touring regions, in particular, The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and The Causeway Coastal Route.
“Australians like to go by road or coach. They like to get off the beaten track, explore more and stay longer.”
Tourism Ireland’s Marketing Manager for Australia and New Zealand Sofia Hansson.
The other focus is screen tourism with the filming of Star Wars and Game of Thrones giving “incredible exposure” to Ireland.
She went on to tell KARRYON that the destination is continuing its growth, hitting 230 000 visitors from Australia and New Zealand last year.
The average time Australians spend in the country is 13 to 14 nights.
“For us, Australians are very valuable,” she said.
She said Tourism Ireland had a “positive outlook” for 2018 and were “aiming to keep the market share of the Europe trips”.
Travel Agents should also be aware that Tourism Ireland has relaunched and revamped their Ireland Specialist program this year.
Those who become a gold specialist here, win a chance to get on a famil to Ireland. Click here to access the program.
Tourism Ireland hopes the combination “awareness, accessibility and the outbound market continuing to grow” will work strongly in their favour this year.
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