Many significant business deals were signed at this year's Meitheal - Ireland’s largest and most important trade event for the tourism industry.

Joe Dolan (Fáilte Ireland) Charlene Boyle (CEO Fáilte Ireland) Paul Kelly Paul Keeley Patrick O'Donoghue (CEO Gleneagle Hotel Group) in Killarney to meet international tourism buyers from around the world as part of this week’s Meitheal. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Delegates and buyers in Killarney to meet international tourism buyers from around the world. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Supreme Champion Sheep dog Handler Tom O'Sullivan demonstrating his craft at Muckross Traditional Farms to International tourism buyers. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Noreen Brosnan (left) and Mary Quirke demonstrating the art of butter making at Muckross Traditional Farms. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

John Lenihan demonstrates the art of a hurling tackle with Kerry Senior Hurler Tom Doyle at Muckross Traditional Farms where international tourism buyers have been experiencing first-hand the Irish tourism product ahead of attending Meitheal. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

Tom Allison from Sneem a traditional full-time blacksmith demonstrates his artistry at Muckross Traditional Farms to International tourism buyers from around the world who have been experiencing first-hand Irish tourism ahead of attending Meitheal Ireland’s most important tourism trade event. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

STEPPING IT OUT: Lisa Hegarty (left) with two of her pupils Grace O'Leary and Maeve O'Connor with musician Gretta Curtin at Muckross Traditional Farms. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

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'Buachaill’ the resident Irish Wolfhound on his best behaviour with farm labourer Tom McCarthy at Muckross Traditional Farms. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

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Held in the INEC, 450 Irish businesses pitched to over 230 international buyers from 17 countries at Fáilte Ireland’s flagship trade event. 

Running since 1975, Meitheal is organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators.

The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way and Dublin, were showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators.

Key themes and trends emerging this year are sustainable travel options, immersive outdoor experiences and festivals.

Speaking about the importance of developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said that "creating a strong pipeline of future business is key for the recovery of tourism".

"Seeing the demand for the Irish tourism product with international buyers at Meitheal is fantastic. Each international buyer represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality businesses, communities, and destination Ireland as we continue to work towards recovery," he said.