Spanish travel agents say 'Hola' to Athlone

Twelve Spanish travel agents have recently been exploring Athlone as part of their visit to the country as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

The travel agents work with Special Tours, one of the largest traditional tour operators in Spain.

The group's itinerary included a Viking Whiskey Cruise on Lough Ree, with Athlone Whiskey Tours and Viking Tours Ireland. The group also visited Athlone Castle and had lunch at The Left Bank Bistro.

The aim of the visit was to familiarise the travel professionals with Ireland and its tourism offering, so that when they return home, they will be better informed and more enthusiastic about Ireland when advising their clients about planning and booking their holidays here.

"We were delighted to invite this group of Spanish travel agents to explore Athlone and Ireland," Susan Bolger, Tourism Ireland's manager for Spain.

"There really is no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer at first-hand. Our aim is that when they return home, the travel agents will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2023 and beyond."

Spain is the fifth-largest market for overseas tourism to the island of Ireland.

In 2019, Ireland welcomed 431,000 Spanish visitors; with some €218 million in revenue generated by Spanish visitors that year.