If there’s one event in the calendar that tourism buyers and suppliers from all around the world look forward to with particular anticipation, that’s Meitheal. For over 10 years Fáilte Ireland has been running this annual travel trade fair, one of the largest in the world. This year's event on the 2nd and 3rd of April will see hundreds of overseas buyers meet face-to-face with Irish trade at an action-packed two-day event in CityWest Hotel, Dublin.

For the first time ever, the Meet in Ireland team will introduce a dedicated MICE programme at Meitheal, “Meet in Ireland 2019”. This programme enables MICE buyers from all over the world to meet one on one with Irish trade, building valued relationships and learning about the full range of MICE services available in Ireland in the process.

Irish MICE suppliers will be rolling out the red carpet for buyers from the UK, US, Canada, France and Germany, who will not only have the opportunity to meet with the best and brightest in the business, but also to experience first-hand what Ireland has to offer by way of curated educational trips.

These tours for influential overseas meeting planners and buyers are an essential part of selling destination Ireland and itineraries include stops in some of Ireland’s most stunning showcase destinations. Buyers will enjoy the delights of Cork and Kerry and the breathtaking scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way, experience both history and luxury in Ireland Ancient East, and of course sample the dynamism and energy of Dublin, Ireland's cosmopolitan capital. Buyers will also visit Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny, Wicklow and Kildare, experiencing the best each county has to offer.

To conclude the visit, the overseas buyers will be treated to a lavish gala dinner before departing, ensuring their last memory of Ireland will linger long in the memory. All along the way buyers will meet suppliers face-to-face and discover the uniquely Irish activities and experiences they offer. Ensuring that they leave the country with a positive impression of Ireland and its MICE potential is a vital step towards gaining more valuable business tourists. The 2019 educational trips and the B2B workshop will run between March 28th and April 2nd. Follow the excitement on Instagram and Twitter using #MakeItIreland.

Tourism is one of the country’s leading industries and a key economic driver. Through popular initiatives like Meitheal, Fáilte Ireland and Meet in Ireland work with tourism partners of all shapes and sizes to find ways to constantly develop our tourism offering, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.

For those of you coming on our educational trips and attending Meet in Ireland 2019, we look forward to seeing you there!