Search Results forIreland
Black Diamond and MMGY to represent Destination Toronto in the UK & Ireland
Destination Toronto has appointed Black Diamond as its UK public relations agency and MMGY as its trade representation agency for the UK and Ireland, as the destination expands its activity in the market with increased engagement through travel trade channels and media relations efforts. The joint appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Toronto strengthens its international presence in response to evolving traveller demand and the growing appeal of Canadian city breaks among UK audiences. Jonah Whitaker, Managing Partner at Black Diamond commented; "With the UK being one of Toronto's most resilient overseas markets, this is a significant moment for Destination Toronto to strengthen its presence on the international stage. As a famously multicultural and diverse city, Toronto is uniquely positioned to capture the hearts and travel plans of the UK audience. Through innovative PR strategies and creative consumer activations, we're excited to help establish a compelling brand presence and capture share in key markets during this pivotal period." Caroline Moultrie, President at MMGY EMEA, also commented, "Toronto’s dynamic, multicultural character—encompassing world-class entertainment, a thriving culinary landscape, and unparalleled sporting experiences—positions itself as an attractive proposition for the UK. With strong air connectivity and manageable flight time, Toronto is strategically poised for growth, particularly with key calendar moments ahead, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our focus will be on collaborating with valued travel trade and airline partners to deliver targeted initiatives that inspire, inform, and ultimately drive bookings to the destination. We are committed to enhancing Toronto’s visibility and growing visitation to Toronto and Ontario." The strategy will support Destination Toronto’s objective to grow UK visitor numbers by showcasing the city’s distinctive neighbourhoods, culinary diversity, festivals and rich arts & culture scene. With direct flight access and a growing appetite for Canadian city breaks among UK and Irish travellers, the strategy aims to raise Toronto’s profile through consistent, creative and locally tailored media engagement. “Diversifying our international markets has always been a priority—and now it’s more critical than ever,” said Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto. “With Black Diamond and MMGY on board, we’re confident in our ability to engage the market through trade and media relations, offering a strategic and locally informed approach as we scale up our global impact.” Destination Toronto will return to the World Travel Market (WTM) in London this November, as it strengthens its international presence in this key long-haul market.
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group launches in the Republic of Ireland
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) announced that it has received approval to operate in the Republic of Ireland. This development heralds a phase of major expansion for the group into a key European market. The parent company of iconic travel brands Abercrombie & Kent, Cox & Kings, and Crystal secured official approval from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), allowing it to sell to customers in Ireland across all three brands for the first time. Cox & Kings managing director and A&K senior vice-president of sales for UK and EMEA Jennifer Charlton said: “Ireland has long been a key market for us, and this allows us to meet growing demand with the confidence and assurance Irish travellers expect. From safari to expedition cruising, tailor-made journeys to cultural discovery, this launch brings Cox & Kings, Crystal and A&K’s legendary service and deep destination knowledge directly to the Irish market.” The IAA approval not only allows AKTG to sell holidays to Irish residents but also opens up access to point-of-sale air and cruise fares from Dublin, a key development that unlocks greater flexibility and value for Irish customers. That said, the company is working with major airline partners to secure ITX and cruise fares from Dublin, this will provide Irish consumers with access to preferential air rates and commercial terms from their local airport. What happens next A dedicated Irish point of contact is expected to follow shortly, further reinforcing AKTG’s commitment to local presence and customer trust, with agency sales manager Victoria Houston overseeing trade sales in this expanding market. New local telephone numbers have been set up for Irish consumers and trade with Euro denominated pricing already in place for Crystal and soon to be available for A&K and Cox & Kings. Widely regarded as the gold standard in luxury travel, A&K’s legacy of crafting extraordinary journeys across seven continents will soon be directly available to Irish customers, along with Crystal’s award-winning voyages and Cox & Kings’ small group journeys and tailor-made trips designed for the culturally curious. This new phase of expansion reflects the group’s continued investment in the European market and its vision to bring unparalleled travel experiences to new audiences.
Ireland’s Greatest Road Trips – the Causeway Coast and Wild Atlantic Way
It’s now even easier to explore the island of Ireland’s beautiful north coast with a new 10-night holiday combining two iconic coastal road trip routes: the Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal route, and the Causeway Coastal Route home to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. Whilst visitors often pick one route to explore, a new focus on the region is encouraging road trippers to extend their stays and experience both iconic routes in one trip, taking in spectacular coastal landscapes and famous sites like the Giant’s Causeway and Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point. The experience is available to book through McKinlay Kidd, an award-winning tour operator specialising in holidays to the UK and Ireland. Travellers embarking on Ireland’s Greatest Road Trips – the Causeway Coast and Wild Atlantic Way will enjoy a 10-night journey that showcases the best of the north coast, taking in rugged coastal landscapes, characterful towns and famous tourism sites. As well as accommodation and car hire, the holiday includes a number of immersive experiences including ferry travel as foot passengers to Rathlin Island in the company of a local guide, a Visit Derry Pass for two, a guided tour of Fanad Head Lighthouse, a guided visit to Sliabh Liag and a tour and lunch at a Sligo oyster farm. The new holiday begins with an early ferry to Belfast to spend some time in the city before heading to the Causeway Coast for a wonderful oceanside drive to the seaside town of Ballycastle, recently named ‘Best Place to Live in Northern Ireland’. The next day board the ferry for a short crossing to Rathlin Island, home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, an ‘upside down lighthouse’ and a famous spot to see puffins. Continue along the Causeway Coastal route taking in the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy Harbour, the world-famous Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Mussenden Temple and the golden strands at Portstewart and Portrush, before reaching the city of Derry-Londonderry. Spend a night and day in this fascinating and friendly city, exploring then of the city’s attractions with a Visit Derry Pass and a guided walk of the ancient city walks. Next, head onto the Wild Atlantic Way, for two days exploring the rugged beauty of County Donegal, including the island’s most northerly point, made famous in Star Wars, and spend the night in Irish-speaking region of the Rosses. Carry on south along the Wild Atlantic Way to view Sliabh Liag, Europe’s tallest sea cliffs and spend a night in Donegal Town with the option to enjoy some live music in the evening. The route then takes road-trippers down into County Sligo, to see Mullaghmore Head, the mighty Ben Bulben and the blowholes at Raghly Cliffs. Spend two nights in Sligo, W.B. Yeats country, and enjoy a private oyster farm experience in Sligo Bay, before heading back to Dublin or Belfast to catch the ferry home. The holiday has been created as part of a campaign to promote tourism to the north coast of the island of Ireland. Tourism Ireland, Failte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland have ongoing collaboration to forge greater links between the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way through the Shared Island Brand Collaboration Project, creating synergies between these two iconic touring routes through new discovery points, improved signage, and large investment into local tourism businesses. The 10-night Ireland’s Greatest Road Trips – the Causeway Coast and Wild Atlantic Way holiday is available to now and priced from £1,595 per person, based on two adults sharing a double or twin room on a B&B basis and includes 10-nights’ accommodation, car hire and five guided excursions. There is the option to start and finish in either Dublin or Belfast.
Radisson RED opens with 177 keys in Ireland
The hotel has 177 guest rooms and suites, a ground-floor bar and grill, rooftop bar and restaurant, outside south-facing terrace and nine versatile meeting rooms, including a 220-guest theatre-style venue. Radisson Hotel Group Area Senior Vice President Northern & Western Europe Tom Flanagan Karttunen said: “Opening the first ever Radisson RED property in Ireland is a monumental occasion, and I could not be prouder that it’s located in Galway, which happens to be my hometown. The property perfectly marries the bold vibrance of the brand’s design with the culture and heritage of the city, and it is an ideal choice for business and leisure guests alike.” It is situated in Galway’s newest neighborhood, Crown Square and is located next to motorways that connect the city with Dublin and Limerick.
FCM Meetings & Events appoints Victoria Deprez as UK & Ireland Business Leader
FCM Meetings & Events (FCM M&E), the long-standing event management specialist and flagship division of the Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), has announced the appointment of Victoria Deprez as UK and Ireland, Business Leader. Deprez’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the M&E division as they recently announced a $20 million global investment to target worldwide growth for this segment of the business. With over 18 years of leadership experience in the meetings and events industry, Deprez has built a reputation for delivering transformative client solutions across the technology and travel sectors. “Our Meetings and Events division has seen significant investment as we focus on unlocking its full potential, and we’re thrilled to welcome Victoria as our new Business Leader for the UK and Ireland, said Frits De Kok, Head of FCM Meetings & Events, EMEA. “With an incredible opportunity for growth ahead of us, her expertise in identifying strategic opportunities and delivering client-centric solutions will be instrumental in positioning us as the go-to travel management company for meetings, events, and event travel. Victoria’s dedication to innovation and her proven ability to create value make her a fantastic addition to our team as we continue to elevate our presence in this dynamic sector.” Prior to joining FCM M&E Deprez worked for Leapwork, a Microsoft-backed tech startup, where she played an instrumental role in driving client engagement and building scalable, high-impact strategies. Before joining Leapwork, Victoria held senior roles at prominent industry players including The Institute of Travel Management, Travelport, Event Travel Management and Navan. “I'm thrilled to join this exceptional team at such an exciting time for the Meetings and Events division. I’m eager to bring a fresh perspective to uncover strategic opportunities, enhance the client experience, and deliver meaningful value. It’s clear that this team’s commitment to excellence has established it as a trusted partner in the industry, and I’m looking forward to building on that foundation as we shape the future of meetings and events together, said Victoria Deprez, UK and Ireland, Business Leader, FCM M&E.
A haunting Halloween experience at Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland
For those seeking an unforgettable Halloween adventure like no other, there's no place more fitting than the historical Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland. Nestled amidst the enchanting landscapes of the Antrim coast, the real-life haunted castle invites guests to embrace the thrill of the season with a spooky overnight offer with a special guest and a devilish afternoon tea. With its rich history and unique character, the castle at Ballygally Castle is renowned as one of the most haunted places in Northern Ireland. Legend has it that Lady Isabella, wife of James Shaw who built Ballygally Castle, was locked in a room at the top of the castle after Shaw snatched their son away, leaving her to die tragically while attempting to escape. Another ghost is known for knocking on bedroom doors late at night and for the rustling of a silk dress in the corridors. Some believe it is the playful spirit of Madam Nixon, who came to stay at the castle after her husband’s death. While the Ghost Room in the tower can still be visited, no guests are allowed to stay there anymore, adding to the mystique and allure of this remarkable castle. Guests can embark on the hotel's unique 'Ghostly Nights & Delicious Delights' package, thoughtfully crafted to provide moments of eerie delight. They can indulge in a Halloween-themed afternoon tea filled with delightful treats and savory snacks, showcasing a charming blend of flavours and treats that draw inspiration from age-old ghost stories. As the sun sets, guests can retire to their comfortable rooms, where the echoes of ghosts add to the mysterious ambience before waking up to hearty full Irish breakfast.
Hastings Hotels shares results from a ‘Mental Health Survey’ conducted across Ireland
. A Hastings Hotels survey reveals the depth of stress and mental health challenges faced by individuals and how taking time away can play a crucial role in mental wellbeing. Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland has conducted a mental health survey across the island of Ireland from September 3rd to 7th 2024, with responses from 1,477 participants. From these results it shows that more than a third of people in Ireland (35%) admit to always or often feeling stressed in their daily lives, with women bearing a heavier burden (40%) than men (26%), new data shows. The highest levels of stress were reported by individuals aged 45-54, with almost twice as many women than men in this age group feeling strained. The survey by Hastings Hotels found work responsibilities to be the leading cause, affecting close to half (47%). Other significant stressors include money worries (31%), health concerns (26%), and family-related pressures (21%). A further 14% identified caregiving responsibilities and work colleagues as contributing factors. A total of 92% of respondents in the Hastings Hotel survey said that a hotel stay has a better impact on their mental wellbeing compared to other forms of accommodation. Picture: Chris Heaney More than 1,400 people from the Republic and Northern Ireland completed the survey early last month. But the findings clearly show that small steps can lead to significant improvements in mental health. Proper sleep (79%), exercise (69%), and spending time in nature (66%) were the top activities identified by respondents as being beneficial to mental wellbeing. More than half recognised that time away from work is essential for maintaining a healthy mind, while connecting with family and friends plays a crucial role for six in ten people. On the flip side, a quarter said time away from family was beneficial for their mental health. Professional advice to take a break away as a stress management strategy has been given to one in four respondents, with more women (29%) than men (17%) receiving this recommendation. An overwhelming majority strongly agreed that a break away enhanced their wellbeing, contributed positively to their mood, and helped them feel more relaxed.A total of 92% of participants reported that a hotel stay has a better impact on their mental wellbeing compared to other forms of accommodation, such as an Airbnb. Claire Crummey, Group Wellbeing co-ordinator at Hastings Hotels, said the survey reveals the depth of stress and mental health challenges faced by individuals and how taking time away can play a crucial role in mental wellbeing. Picture: Alexandra Barfoot. Almost the same said that frequent, mini escapes can help manage stress more effectively than waiting for an annual holiday. While the majority choose their partner for these escapes, solo travel is a favoured option for one in ten people. Comfort is paramount, with 90% of respondents emphasising the importance of a comfortable bed and room for their mental wellbeing. Friendly, accommodating staff also played a significant role, with 82% noting its positive impact, followed by quiet, peaceful surroundings (75%), and the opportunity to disconnect from daily life (70%). Spa and wellness facilities were cited by more than half as key to improving their mental health. A Hastings Hotels survey reveals the depth of stress and mental health challenges faced by individuals and how taking time away can play a crucial role in mental wellbeing “The survey reveals the depth of stress and mental health challenges faced by individuals and how taking time away can play a crucial role in mental wellbeing,” said Claire Crummey, Group Wellbeing co-ordinator at Hastings Hotels. “We encourage individuals across Ireland to prioritise their mental health by taking regular, short breaks and experiencing the benefits first hand. A hotel stay may be the key to not just relaxation, but to enhancing mood, productivity and overall mental resilience.”
Lufthansa appoints Patrick Borg Hedley as GM Sales UK, Ireland and Iceland
Lufthansa Group announces Patrick Borg Hedley as the newly appointed General Manager Sales UK, Ireland and Iceland. Based in London, Borg Hedley will be responsible for the commercial and sales activities for all Lufthansa Group carriers Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, in the above-mentioned markets. Reporting to Sven Thaler, Senior Director Sales Northern Europe Lufthansa Group, Hedley succeeds Frank Wagner who has relocated to Berlin and previously held the position as General Manager for the last three years. Hedley brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position following many years of airline management experience in business development, sales, project management as well as airport operation & security. Commencing his Lufthansa journey over 25 years ago in Malta, Patrick has held several global leadership positions spanning Yemen, Cyprus, United Arab Emirates and Portugal. His last appointment was as General Manager Sales Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, Lufthansa Group, a position he held since 2021.
Sabre appoints Richard Viner as Head for Corporate Accounts for the UK & Ireland
Sabre Corporation announced the appointment of Richard Viner as Head for Corporate Accounts for the UK and Ireland. Richard Viner brings extensive experience from his roles at major travel industry organizations, including Expedia, Egencia, TravelPerk, and PSNGR1. At TravelPerk, he led the company’s rapid expansion contributing to a5x growth during in annual revenue during his tenure . He also led the go-to-market strategy for PSNGR1, positioning it as a key player in the UK market. According to Viner, “Sabre is driving innovation in corporate travel by offering solutions that address the evolving needs of the industry. Its cloud-based technologies and AI-driven tools enable faster, more efficient collaboration between suppliers and buyers. A key part of this is Sabre’s multi-source content strategy, which integrates NDC, low-cost carrier content, and traditional GDS content. This ensures corporate travel buyers have the choice, transparency, and efficiency they need. Sabre’s ability to solve the increasing complexity of the travel ecosystem makes it a critical partner for companies navigating this changing landscape”. Richard Viner will focus on helping corporate travel buyers in the UK and Ireland access Sabre’s multi-source content, including GDS, NDC, and low-cost carriers, to improve booking transparency and operational efficiency. His role will ensure corporate accounts can offer a broader range of travel options while streamlining their processes.
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