Over 60 global tour operators based in the Republic of Ireland will participate in this week’s Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA) virtual workshop, hosted by Tourism NI.
This is the first year that ITOA will hold its flagship networking event on a virtual platform, with over 100 Northern Ireland industry representatives due to attend.
Organised by Tourism NI in partnership with ITOA, the annual event is one of the highlights of the tourism calendar and will see tourism businesses in Northern Ireland engage with ITOA member organisations through a series of online sales appointments.
The event will also allow the local industry to create valuable business connections and showcase what’s available in Northern Ireland for future programme or itineraries.
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Commenting on the workshop, Tourism NI’s Business Solutions Manager, Eimear Callaghan said: “We are delighted that the ITOA workshop is going ahead this year on an online platform.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for those operating in the tourism industry in Northern Ireland to make members of the ITOA aware of the products and experiences that are available and the compelling reasons why they should be included in future ITOA itineraries.
"There will be fierce competition when people start travelling in large numbers again and our partnership with ITOA will be an essential part of our sales efforts.”
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Ruth Andrews, ITOA Chief Executive said: “ITOA workshops are important annual travel trade events.
"Having run several very successful ‘live’ workshops in Northern Ireland since 2018, we are very grateful to Tourism Northern Ireland for providing the Converve Platform and support to ensure that our Workshop happened at this time when ITOA members are contracting with their international partners for 2022 and 2023.
"It is vitally important that the industry and ITOA members remain connected to ensure that when the time is right and international returns, we are ready to sell to our international client base and that Ireland will continue to be a strong destination of choice for overseas visitors.
"Recovery will come and we need to be prepared and communicating the terrific experiences that Northern Ireland industry have to offer.”
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Source: Written from press release
