Tourism Ireland promotes golf in North America at the Michigan Convention

Reading time: 2 protocol

Tourism Ireland’s efforts to boost golf tourism from North America were highlighted this week at the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention in Michigan.

Twelve (12) golf and tourism companies from Ireland attended the convention alongside Tourism Ireland, which attracted over 300 golf and travel professionals, primarily from the USA and Canada. Over two days, attendees took part in pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings and networking sessions, which are critical to securing deals and fostering partnerships for 2024 and beyond.

Alison Metcalfe, Head of North America at Tourism Ireland, said: “The IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the island of Ireland and our world-class golf. Golf is the world’s largest sports-related travel market and Tourism Ireland works hard to get the message across that a golf holiday in Ireland is much more than a round of 18 holes – the combination of our world-class golf and our unique hospitality plays a key role in attracting golfers from North America.

“Our participation in this convention is just one element of Tourism Ireland’s extensive promotional programme to inspire more golfers from North America and other key golf markets to consider a holiday on the island of Ireland. We also take every opportunity to highlight that The Open will return to Royal Portrush in 2025 and the Ryder Cup will be held at Adare Manor in 2027.”

Earlier this year, Tourism Ireland attended IAGTO meetings in Abu Dhabi and Málaga alongside golf and tourism operators on the island of Ireland.

Brendan Keogh of SWING Golf Ireland, Cormac Ryan representing Killeen Castle, Natalia O’Hanlon of Hastings Hotels, Paul McCanny of Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links, Sinead McNicholl of Dunluce Lodge, George Diamondis representing Tourism NI, Joe Murphy of Fáilte Ireland, Breffne McKenna of Castlemartyr Resort, Jeffrey Yau of Tourism Ireland, Leigh Heggarty of Galgorm, Brendan Mackey representing The K Club, Dave Wensley of North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland, Marie Collins of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg, Nessa McCall of Activities Ireland and John Eggleston representing Ballybunion Golf Club all attended the IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention in Michigan.