Significant business deals are expected to be signed over the two day event as over 10,000 sales meetings are scheduled to take place
Meitheal, the largest and most important trade event for the Irish tourism industry is taking place at the Gleneagle INEC in Killarney. Meitheal is Fáilte Ireland’s annual flagship trade event, organised in partnership with Tourism Ireland, to provide Irish tourism businesses with the opportunity to sell directly to top international buyers and tour operators. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Irish tourism bodies hosting trade events to promote Ireland to influential overseas buyers.
Significant business deals are expected to be signed over the two day event as over 10,000 sales meetings are scheduled to take place between 389 Irish tourism providers and 255 international buyers and tour operators from 15 countries. The countries represented are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, and the USA.
The best of what is on offer across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way, and Dublin will be showcased with the aim of being scheduled on the itineraries of the global tour operators. Key themes and trends interesting international buyers this year include multi-generational trips, small private tours, outdoor activities and immersive experiences that incorporate food and traditional craft making.
Speaking about the importance of events such as Meitheal, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said:
“Tourism is one of the biggest employers in the country, supporting over 225,000 jobs, and generates significant revenue each year. Tourism trade events like Meitheal play a crucial role in the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry. Over the last 50 years, they have been essential for building relationships, promoting our unique destinations, and keeping Ireland competitive. Each international buyer attending this event represents tens of thousands of possible visitors to Ireland, and their business will be hugely important for tourism and hospitality SMEs, local communities, and destination Ireland.”
Director of Demand Development at Fáilte Ireland Niall Tracey said:
“For 50 years, tourism trade events have brought together the best of our local industry with international partners, creating lasting relationships that benefit our economy and showcase the unique beauty and culture of Ireland. For a small island, we have a fantastic legacy as a visitor destination with a huge amount to offer from world-class scenery, hospitality, activities, attractions, culture, heritage, and food. With the significant investment in the tourism product in recent years, there are many new or improved attractions and experiences on offer all around Ireland that buyers will be learning about over the next two days. I have no doubt they will leave Meitheal 2025 with many new additions to itineraries and countless reasons to sell Ireland to their clients.”
Looking back at 50 years of promoting the island of Ireland overseas, Tourism Ireland is today launching a video which features promotional footage and advertisements from Tourism Ireland archives, Bord Fáilte archives, preserved by the IFI Irish Film Archive, as well as Northern Ireland Screen’s digital film archive, courtesy of Tourism NI and National Museums NI, and Titanic Belfast.
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said:
“Today we are sharing a video that looks back at 50 years of promoting the island of Ireland overseas, 1975-2025, in tourist board advertising. It makes for a fascinating social history. Some things have changed, like how easy it is to book travel, like transformative peace on our island and the nature of this island’s cultural influence in the world. Fashion and haircuts have changed along the way too! Some things have stayed the same, like our beautiful landscapes, our love of music and the proud welcome we offer holidaymakers.
“As we created the video, we were grateful to Fáilte Ireland for their work on early archives, as well as to Tourism Northern Ireland, the IFI Irish Film Archive, Northern Ireland Screen, National Museums NI and Titanic Belfast for partnership. We look forward to the next 50 years, welcoming visitors and supporting communities across this beautiful island.”
Prior to Meitheal, international buyers have been experiencing first-hand the tourism product of Ireland. Tourism experiences from across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, and Dublin were included on bespoke itineraries designed by Fáilte Ireland with the objective of showcasing the best of the Irish tourism offering and highlighting the unique holiday experience that awaits visitors to Ireland.
Meitheal 2025 is a sustainability-focused event where buyers and industry will be engaged in the shared mission of reducing the carbon footprint of the event. Every detail, from travel arrangements to food sourcing, is designed to minimise the environmental impact, creating a meaningful and measurable reduction in carbon emissions.
