Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly, arrives at Meitheal to meet international tourism buyers. Photograph: Valerie O'Sullivan“The Germans are back in force,” reported one tourism provider at a major trade event for the Irish sector in Killarney, Co Kerry on Wednesday. The Fáilte Ireland Meitheal gathering, attended by some 230 international buyers from 17 countries, also heard that tourism businesses are facing challenges in meeting demand for hotel rooms and activity slots.
Established in 1975, the Meitheal tourism trade show is the biggest direct sales event for the €7.5 billion Irish tourism industry. The event includes ten-minute consultations likened to ‘speed dating’ where 450 Irish businesses can meet buyers. Attendees said representatives from the UK are thinner on the ground than usual this year, but buyer interest from the USA and Canada is strong, while buyers from the United Arab Emirates and Asia have arrived in numbers.
“The Germans are back in force too,” said Ray Sinnott, estate manager for 70 acres of gardens at Mountcongreve in Co Waterford, which has invested €7 million in its offering. Mr Sinnott said tourists have become more interested in destinations offering cooler summers and outdoor activities, such as viewing vegetable gardens.