IPW 2026 Takes Off in Greater Fort Lauderdale – And Ireland Shows Up in Style!

Pretty in Pink Don reports from IPW 2026.

What an incredible opening to IPW 2026 in Greater Fort Lauderdale, as the Irish travel trade and media delegation arrived in force to connect, collaborate and champion our valued USA partners representing all 50 states.

From the Everglades adventures to the spectacular beachfront opening party along Fort Lauderdale Beach and Seabreeze Blvd, the energy, colour and atmosphere were simply unforgettable. With toes in the sand, live entertainment, immersive activations and the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop, IPW 2026 delivered a truly world-class welcome to the global travel industry.

And once again, the Irish delegation was front and centre — networking, storytelling, supporting destinations and embracing every moment of the experience. The strong Irish presence at IPW is more important than ever as travel between Ireland and the USA continues to thrive.

Why IPW Matters for Ireland

IPW is the USA travel industry’s premier international marketplace and one of the most important tourism trade events in the world. Organised by the U.S. Travel Association, the event generates:

Over $5.5 billion in future travel business
More than 5,000 delegates from 60+ countries
Thousands of pre-scheduled business meetings connecting global buyers with US destinations, hotels, attractions and airlines
Massive opportunities for Irish tour operators, travel agents and media to secure new partnerships, itineraries and business growth

For Ireland, IPW remains a critical platform to strengthen transatlantic tourism ties, support direct air connectivity and showcase the enormous appetite Irish travellers continue to have for the United States.

With direct services from Dublin, Shannon and beyond with Aer Lingus, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, British Airways and JetBlue continuing to expand, the USA remains one of Ireland’s most important long-haul travel markets — and events like IPW help drive future visitor growth, media exposure and commercial partnerships for years ahead.

Why Greater Fort Lauderdale is the Perfect Host

Known for its 24 miles of golden beaches, vibrant culinary scene, luxury resorts and easy access to the Everglades, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers the ideal blend of business and leisure for IPW delegates. Hosting the event shines a global spotlight on the destination while reinforcing Florida’s importance as a gateway for international tourism.