Brand USA Ireland showcase our common connection at a very special evening with U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin in Deerfield.

The official residence of Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin, provided a remarkable backdrop for a “people to people” gathering of travel trade partners . Against the stunning backdrop of Deerfield, guests enjoyed an evening of engaging conversation and shared experiences over a sumptuous dinner complemented by fine wines. The event fostered a sense of camaraderie as attendees exchanged stories and insights, sharing their favorite aspects of travel and culture in the USA. It was an evening filled with warmth, connection, and the celebration of shared passions.

An evening of common connection with our hosts which included Finola Cunningham, Head of U.S. Commercial Service for the U.S. Embassy, Julianne O’Leary, Commercial Advisor and Travel and Tourism Lead for the U.S. Embassy, Jackie Ennis, Vice President Global Trade Development for Brand USA (flew in from D.C. for the dinner), Amanda Davis, Senior Manager Global Trade Development for Brand USA, Holly Jordan, Trade Director for Ireland, Brand USA and Louise Bailey, PR Director for Ireland, Brand USA, encouraged all guests to share their favourite destination in the USA which led to a lively round table discussion and level of engagement that clearly showcased Brand USA’S commitment and dedication to the Irish market.

Number one USA destinations feedback delivered a wide variety of personal favorites including  New York City, Miami, Florida along with Utah, Monterey, Montana, Boston, Nashville, New Orleans, Cape Cod, Cape May, Chicago, Austin Texas, Denver, San Antonio and the steps to the Washington monument. The USA has it all and it’s not just about the big cities, the small towns, the communities and the people are an integral part that make that common connection with the Irish tourist.

We still have work to do to get our numbers to the USA back to 2019 levels, but all the indicators are good thus far in 2024. Ireland has seen strong recovery in figures post pandemic, ending 2023 with over 450,000 visitors and ranking number 17 in terms of overseas arrivals. In January 2024 Ireland surpassed pre-pandemic figures for January 2019 with just over 30,000 arrivals. This was the highest percentage increase of all European markets – 8% above January 2019 and 23% above January 2023. Ireland is better connected than ever with 18 cities serviced with direct routes. Aer Lingus, United Airlines, Jet Blue, Delta and American Airlines provide industry partners more choice than ever to encourage their customers to explore the USA. Aer Lingus and Jet Blue announced new routes in 2024. Aer Lingus launched Denver and Minneapolis along with Cleveland and JetBlue commence new flights to Boston and New York next week!

Brand USA are keen to encourage the Irish visitors especially repeat to visitors to visit the U.S. hidden gems. Emerging U.S. destinations for 2024 include Kansas City, Missouri; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida; Asheville, North Carolina.

Brand USA will once again run a MegaFam for the UK & Irish markets in 2024, and for the first time ever will be partnering with Aer Lingus on this, as well as American Airlines and British Airways. Travelbiz will be sharing all the updates with you over the coming weeks so stay tuned for more.

Best Tuesday night ever!

A big Travelbiz and Travel trade thankyou to organiser extraordinaire Julianne O’Leary. Stay connected with your people and we look forward to a big celebration in 2024.