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By Michelle Crean

The largest tour operator from Mainland Europe to Ireland, German operator DER Touristik has announced this week that it will host its prestigious annual travel academy in Killarney, next year.

Killarney beat off challenges from a number of other top destinations to host the October 2020 event. It was held in Cuba in 2019 and in Finland in 2018.

The congress is DER Touristik’s annual event and will take place over three nights.

Around 300 top German travel agents, influential travel journalists and senior managers from DER Touristik – are expected to participate.

As well as generating valuable off-season business, giving the local economy a significant boost during a traditionally quieter time, the annual travel academy always helps boost German visitor numbers to the host destination in subsequent years.

“The decision by Der Touristik to hold its 2020 travel academy in Killarney is a real vote of confidence in Killarney and Ireland and is testament to the strong appeal of Kerry and the island of Ireland as a ‘must see’ destination for German holidaymakers,” Minister for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, said

“With around 300 travel professionals expected to attend, this event will provide us with a wonderful opportunity to showcase Kerry and Ireland as a destination with a wide range of things to see and do, particularly in the shoulder season months. It will also deliver longer-term benefits for Kerry and Ireland as a whole.”

Kevin Keogh, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing for Der Touristik, said they are delighted to come to Killarney.

“As the market leader for tourism from Germany to the island of Ireland for well over 50 years, DER Touristik is delighted to bring its 300 hundred top travel agents to Ireland for our 2020 Academy and to encourage them the discover the destination.”