A group of top US travel writers and editors has been enjoying a fact-finding visit in Killarney this week, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

The travel writers and editors attended the prestigious Travel Classics International writers’ conference at Ashford Castle in County Mayo ahead of their Killarney visit.

The conference is regarded by many as the world’s foremost networking event for travel writers and editors – bringing together celebrated editors from a wide range of high-profile publications – including titles like Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure and AFAR magazines – which collectively reach hundreds of thousands of readers across North America, as well as globally.

After attending the conference, the writers and editors had the chance to take part in various familiarisation visits – so they can experience at first-hand some of the many great things to see and do on a holiday in Ireland and then share their experiences with their readers and followers. During their time in Ireland, the journalists enjoyed a guided bike ride around the Killarney National Park. They stayed in the Killarney Royal and enjoyed dinner in Foleys.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “We were delighted these influential writers and editors were able to stay on after the Travel Classics International conference to visit Kerry – helping us to spread the good news about this part of Ireland through the media in the US. With some of the most influential and prominent American travel and lifestyle editors and writers participating in this trip, it will bring huge exposure about what Kerry and Ireland have to offer American holidaymakers, through the media in this important tourism market. It is a fantastic opportunity to show these travel writers and editors at first-hand what makes Ireland such a unique destination.”

The United States remains an extremely important market for tourism to the island of Ireland. In 2019, we welcomed 1.7 million American visitors, whose visits delivered €1.6 billion for the economy.