Tourism Ireland’s UAE sales mission kicks off
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Tourism Ireland launched its UAE sales mission to boost visitor numbers, as part of its continued focus on the GCC. The mission provides Irish companies a chance to meet with more than 60 agents. 
The sales mission focused on promoting Ireland’s two major tourism campaigns for 2013: The Gathering Ireland 2013 and Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013. Both campaigns see a year-long calendar of events taking place across the island of Ireland. The mission will also highlight Ireland’s continually popular golf and luxury products, as well as opportunities to learn English as a foreign language.
The Gathering Ireland 2013 celebrates all things Irish and is encouraging those with Irish roots, or just a love of the country, to visit during 2013. Gatherings, festivals and events celebrating everything from film to food will take place across the country. Derry-Londonderry made history when it was awarded the UK’s first City of Culture status for 2013. A series of key events and cultural activities aim to act as a catalyst to build the economy of the region and deliver a lasting legacy.
The mission comes at a time when visitation numbers to the island of Ireland from developing marketing, including the UAE, are increasing. Figures show that visitation for January 2013 is up 10% from January 2012. From November 2012 – January 2013, numbers are up 16% on the same period from 2011-2012. With Ireland rolling out two of its biggest ever tourism campaigns in 2013, visitation is expected to increase further.
Thomas Redmond, Trade Marketing Manager for Tourism Ireland in the GCC said: “We have seen an increase in demand from Irish companies to visit UAE as they continue to focus on developing their offering for this region.”
