Tourism Ireland gets the gang together for Paddy’s Day

Tourism Ireland gets the gang together for Paddy’s Day
Edited by Travel Weekly


    With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching, Tourism Ireland took the opportunity to celebrate all things Irish in Pony Dining, with Head Chef Neil Nolan last night. 

    Sofia Hansson, the regional manager (AU/NZ) provided some key updates on Tourism Ireland’s 2023 highlights and what’s in store in 2024.

    Pictured (from left to right) Leonie Brennan (Emirates), Tim Mawe (Embassy of Ireland), Sofia Hansson (Tourism Ireland), Darren Sinclair (Collette). (Supplied)

    Tourism Ireland had a successful 2023 with the launch of the ‘What Fills your Heart with Ireland’ global campaign, gathering 1.3 billion impressions so far globally. The advocacy-led campaign is about celebrating the different ways in which the island of Ireland fills the hearts of visitors and of locals – and invites potential holidaymakers to come and experience those for themselves.

    Strengthening partnerships is always a key priority for Tourism Ireland, and the collaboration across publicity and trade engagements were also at the forefront of their 2023 activity.

    The ‘What Fills Your Heart with Ireland’ campaign will continue into 2024, along with the clear vision of increasing the value of overseas tourism to the island of Ireland, and sustainably supporting economies, communities and the environment.

    Tourism Ireland also plans to continue to inspire visitors, promote the different regions in Ireland, including off-the-beaten-track locations, and highlight the message of Ireland as a ‘year-round’ destination through seasonality.

    Strengthening key relationships within the travel industry will also be a primary focus for Tourism Ireland. With that, 2024 will see collaboration in the form of cooperative campaigns, media partnerships, TV broadcasts and rounding the year up with a four-city sales mission in November.

    Neil Pony, head chef, Pony Dining. (Supplied)

    Throughout the evening and in true Irish fashion, guests were entertained by some live music and Irish chef, Neil Nolan curated a selection of canapés with an Irish twist. Neil also spoke on his journey as a chef from Ireland to Australia, and the progression of the culinary scene on the island of Ireland, including the prominence of the farm-to-fork movement.When asked what fills his heart with Ireland and what he misses most, Neil explained “My Mams brown bread, and flying into Dublin – as you hit the coast you see all of the greenery and then you know you’re home, you just can’t beat it.”

    Tourism Ireland would like to wish all of its travel industry partners a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Tourism Ireland looks forward to working with you in 2024 to continue to promote the beauty of the island of Ireland and have even more discover ‘What Fills their Heart’ with Ireland.

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