Travelbiz.ie - Ireland's Travel Trade B2B Media Partnership

16/06/2026

Ireland West Airport welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the West of Ireland
Ireland West Airport was honoured to welcome Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the airport on Sunday, 14th and Monday, 15th June 2026, as part of his ancestral visit to County Mayo.
Prime Minister Carney, his wife Diana, and a Canadian delegation travelled to Mayo as part of the Prime Minister’s official visit to Ireland, returning to the county of his family roots and receiving a warm West of Ireland welcome from local communities.
His arrival at Ireland West Airport marked a proud moment for the airport, County Mayo, and the wider region, highlighting the deep and enduring connections between the west of Ireland and Canada.
Prime Minister Carney’s grandparents, Robert Carney and Nora Moran, emigrated from the Aghagower area of Mayo to Canada in the early 20th century. His visit to Mayo offered an opportunity to celebrate those family connections and the wider story of Irish emigration, heritage, and friendship between Ireland and Canada.
Welcoming the visit, Arthur French, Chairman, at Ireland West Airport, said: “It was a tremendous honour for Ireland West Airport to welcome Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana to Mayo on what is a deeply meaningful ancestral visit. The ties between Mayo and Canada are long-standing and heartfelt, and today’s visit is a proud occasion for the airport, the county, and the west of Ireland. Ireland West Airport is proud to serve as a gateway for people returning home, reconnecting with family, and discovering the heritage of this special region. We are delighted that Prime Minister Carney’s journey to Mayo began here at Ireland West Airport.”
The visit also underlined the important role Ireland West Airport plays in connecting the west and northwest of Ireland with the wider world, supporting tourism, business, diaspora links, and regional development.
On Monday, 15th June, Prime Minister Carney concluded his visit to Ireland, departing from Ireland West Airport at lunchtime on Monday to attend the G7 summit in France. Ireland West Airport extends its best wishes to Prime Minister Carney, his family, and the Canadian delegation on their return to Canada.

15/06/2026

🌿🇹🇭 Amazing Thailand with Travelbiz – Into the Green: Krabi & Bangkok 🇹🇭🌿



Following an insightful and productive Thailand Travel Mart (TTM) in Pattaya, hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Don Shearer, Travelbiz continues his Amazing Thailand journey, moving south to the spectacular landscapes of Krabi before heading onward to Bangkok.

As a guest of Joanna Cooke, Head of PR for Tourism Thailand, Don's had the opportunity to experience first-hand the incredible diversity, sustainability initiatives, and authentic tourism experiences that continue to position Thailand as one of the world's most sought-after destinations.

Our journey through Krabi has showcased some of the region's most breathtaking natural treasures. From the stunning surrounds of Rayavadee and the crystal-clear waters of Khlong Root, known as the Crystal Lagoon, to exploring the remarkable mangrove ecosystems that are leading the way in community-based sustainable tourism, every experience has highlighted Thailand's commitment to preserving its natural beauty while creating meaningful visitor experiences.

We've also enjoyed the exceptional flavours of Southern Thai cuisine, discovered some of Krabi's iconic coastal landscapes, and experienced the unforgettable beauty of Thailand's island and beach environments that continue to captivate visitors from around the world.

This is just the beginning of our journey into Green Tourism Thailand. With Bangkok and much more still to come, we're looking forward to sharing further insights, experiences, industry connections, and destination highlights from this remarkable country.

Stay tuned as the Amazing Thailand story continues...

🇹🇭 More updates from Bangkok and beyond coming soon.

14/06/2026

13/06/2026

🎉 TPG Cork Agent Appreciation Event Delivers a Knockout Night for the Trade! 🍾✈️

What a night in Cork! 👏

TPG – Travel Partners Group, alongside Shannon Airport and Emirates, hosted their largest-ever Cork event at Bocelli Italian Restaurant, welcoming an incredible 75 travel trade professionals for an evening dedicated to appreciation, networking and fun.

💬 Jeanette Taylor (Blue Insurance) set the tone perfectly, reminding guests that the evening was all about saying thank you to agents for their continued support and loyalty to TPG suppliers.

🤝 Lisa Rabitte (Emirates) echoed those sentiments, while ITAA President Tom Randles delivered heartfelt words of appreciation on behalf of the travel trade.

🎁 The excitement levels were sky-high thanks to Shannon Airport's fantastic prize giveaways, including flights from Shannon to:
🇺🇸 New York
🇬🇷 Corfu
🇲🇹 Malta
🇮🇹 Naples

Adding to the buzz, TPG suppliers contributed prizes to the ever-popular "TPG Prizeline", sparking cheers, laughter and plenty of anticipation throughout the evening.

✨ Great food.
✨ Great company.
✨ Great prizes.
✨ A fantastic celebration of the Irish travel trade.

A huge well done to everyone involved in delivering another memorable industry event and thank you to all the agents who joined the celebrations.

✈️🍀

13/06/2026

Selective Travel Management retains Irish Government Framework Tender

WTC owned Selective Travel Management has been re-awarded the Travel Contract for the Irish Government Framework, following a tender exercise. Selective are 1 of 2 agents re-appointed on the Irish framework and 1 of 3 on the equivalent and much larger U.K. Government Commercial Agency contract.

Selective MD, Keith Graham commented: This marks the second consecutive time we have been appointed to the framework, demonstrating the quality, reliability, and value of our service offering. The agreement spans a four-year term and represents a major strategic opportunity.

WTC Group MD, Aidan Coghlan added: This achievement reinforces our standing within the public sector throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland and provides a strong platform for future growth and long-term success.

12/06/2026

Taste of Dublin with Spanish Tourist Board

Jacinta joined travel professionals and media colleagues yesterday evening sampling delicious Spanish tapas and supping equally quaffable Spanish wines on the opening day of Taste of Dublin at Merrion Square in the city centre. Travelbiz was an invited guest of Sra Lara Pena (Director of Spanish TO Dublin), together with Kathryn Mc Donnell, Sara Rivero & Borja Bedoya and we were treated to great presentations from Cambrils, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.

Under canvas, we were treated to amazing seafood bites and lovely cheeses accompanied by vermouth and chilled white wines. We received proud video presentations with informative slides and saw the immense beauty of each area and experienced the regional specialties. Such talented chefs!

Taste of Dublin runs all weekend and the many stalls are catering to a lucky (and hungry!) audience promoting their local wares. Definitely worth a visit! Thank you to the Spanish Tourist Board in Dublin for a special insight to Spanish delights in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Cambrils.

11/06/2026

Visit Malta Hosts Key Trade Partners in Dublin as Irish Demand Continues to Soar


Tolene van der Merwe, Director UK & Ireland at the Malta Tourism Authority, was joined by Mariel Sacco, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Malta, and Sharon Plunkett of Plunkett PR to host a special dinner for key travel industry executives and travel media at the Ely Wine Bar in Dublin. Among the invited guests was Travelbiz Features Editor Declan Mescall, who joined industry colleagues for an evening celebrating Malta's continued success in the Irish market.

The event highlighted the remarkable growth Malta is experiencing from Ireland, with the Mediterranean destination firmly establishing itself as one of the most popular year-round sun and culture destinations for Irish travellers.

Last year, more than 86,000 Irish visitors travelled to Malta, representing an impressive 48% increase on the previous year. The momentum has continued into 2026, with over 30,000 Irish visitors arriving between January and April, a further 19.3% increase, compared to the same period last year.

Speaking at the event, Tolene van der Merwe outlined her ambition to reach the significant milestone of 100,000 Irish visitors annually, a target that now appears firmly within reach given current booking trends and increased air connectivity from Ireland.

Strong Air Access Driving Growth
A major factor behind Malta's success in the Irish market is the strength of direct air services from both Dublin and Shannon.

Aer Lingus continues to provide a direct Dublin–Malta service, offering Irish holidaymakers excellent connectivity to the island throughout the year. The airline's service has proven particularly popular with city-break travellers, couples, and those seeking a blend of culture, gastronomy and Mediterranean sunshine.

Ryanair has also significantly strengthened Malta's accessibility from Ireland with direct services from both Dublin and Shannon, providing additional capacity and greater regional access for travellers from across the country. The availability of direct flights from Shannon has opened up the destination to customers across the West of Ireland, helping drive strong growth from regional markets.

The combination of Aer Lingus and Ryanair services means Irish consumers now enjoy greater flexibility, competitive fares and convenient direct access to Malta, making the destination an attractive option for both short breaks and longer holidays throughout the year.

A Destination for Every Season
While Malta remains a favourite summer destination, Visit Malta is increasingly focused on growing arrivals during the September to April shoulder and winter periods. The destination's mild climate, rich cultural heritage and extensive programme of festivals and events make it an ideal year-round choice.

Tolene emphasised that Malta's strategy is focused on attracting quality tourism, encouraging visitors to engage with the islands' unique culture, heritage, gastronomy and local experiences rather than simply increasing volume.

With over 7,000 years of history, Malta offers an extraordinary concentration of historical attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient temples, magnificent fortifications and the stunning capital city of Valletta. Visitors can explore the medieval streets of Mdina, discover the sister island of Gozo, enjoy world-class diving, hiking and outdoor activities, or simply relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Food lovers are equally well served, with Malta's culinary scene blending Mediterranean, North African and European influences, complemented by an increasing number of acclaimed restaurants and authentic local dining experiences.

Bright Future for Malta in the Irish Market
With strong airline partnerships, growing consumer awareness and a year-round tourism offering, Malta's position in the Irish market continues to strengthen. The combination of direct access from Dublin and Shannon, reliable sunshine for much of the year, rich cultural experiences and exceptional value ensures that Malta remains firmly on the radar of Irish travel professionals and consumers alike.

As Visit Malta continues its engagement with the Irish travel trade and media, the destination's ambitious target of welcoming 100,000 Irish visitors annually looks increasingly achievable.

11/06/2026

🌿✨ TTM+ 2026 officially opens in Pattaya, putting sustainable, wellness-led tourism firmly in the spotlight.

Don reports from the Nice Pattaya Convention and Exhibition Centre in Chon Buri.

Hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) at the NICE Pattaya Convention and Exhibition Centre, this year’s Thailand Travel Mart Plus (10–12 June) carries the theme “Amazing Thailand: Healing is the New Luxury.”

Bringing together global buyers and Thai tourism suppliers, the event showcases responsible travel, wellness experiences, coastal sustainability, and regional tourism development, with Thailand’s Eastern region leading the way as a model for “Travel with Care.”

🇮🇪 Travelbiz is on the ground with Joanne Cooke (PR Manager for Thailand Tourism) flying the Flag for the Irish Trade. More updates to come so stay tuned to Travelbiz for more:

Catch our full udate on the Travelbiz Trade partners hub right here: https://travelbiz.ie/travel-trade-updates/

11/06/2026

YES INSURANCE LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE CAR HIRE EXCESS INSURANCE ADD-ON FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICIES FOR THE IRISH TRAVEL TRADE.

New Car Hire Excess Insurance solution gives travel agents an additional way to protect customers before they travel
Yes Insurance has announced the launch of an exclusive Car Hire Excess Insurance offering for Irish travel agents, helping customers avoid unexpected and often costly charges when hiring a car abroad.
The new product is available exclusively through travel agents placing business with Yes Insurance and can be booked as an add on to the travel insurance policy and has been designed to complement holiday bookings where customers intend to rent a car during their trip.
Car hire excess charges can often run into thousands of euro following damage, theft or loss of a rental vehicle. Many travellers only become aware of these potential liabilities when they arrive at the rental desk, where additional insurance products can significantly increase the overall cost of their holiday.
Karen Maloney, Head of Business Development – Irish Travel Trade at Yes Insurance, said:
"Nobody likes arriving at their holiday destination only to be faced with expensive insurance options at the car hire desk. Our Car Hire Excess Insurance allows travel agents to offer customers valuable protection before they travel, often at a significantly lower cost than options available at the car hire desks”
"It gives travellers peace of mind and helps ensure they can enjoy their holiday without worrying about potentially large excess charges should something happen to their rental vehicle."
The launch forms part of Yes Insurance's broader commitment to supporting the Irish travel trade with innovative products, dedicated support and additional revenue opportunities for travel agents.
Catch our full update here on the Travelbiz Trade Partners hub: https://travelbiz.ie/yes-insurance-launches-exclusive-car-hire-excess-insurance-add-on-for-travel-insurance-policies-for-the-irish-travel-trade/

11/06/2026

World Cup Travel Kicks Off at Shannon Airport
✈️
The FIFA World Cup kicks off this week, and Shannon Airport is preparing to play its part in the global event by sending football fans on their way to support their national teams.

While Ireland won’t feature on the pitch, Shannon is set to be a gateway for travelling supporters, particularly from Scotland, England and France, thanks to its direct flights to two host cities – Boston and New York/New Jersey.

Scotland will play two of its group stage matches at Boston Stadium, while England and France are scheduled to play group games in both Boston and New York/New Jersey Stadiums, making Shannon Airport a convenient departure point for fans heading stateside.

With five weekly Ryanair services from Edinburgh, twice weekly Aer Lingus flights from Paris and multiple daily connections from England to Shannon with both carriers, together with the added advantage of full US Preclearance, passengers can easily connect through Shannon Airport and arrive in the United States as domestic travellers.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Niall Kearns, Airport Director of Shannon Airport, said: "The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and we’re delighted to be part of the journey for so many fans travelling to the United States. We’ve already had the pleasure of welcoming supporters transiting through Shannon on their way to the tournament, and it’s fantastic to see the excitement building. With US Preclearance and strong connectivity, we’re making it easier for fans to get there and start enjoying the experience.”

This year’s World Cup tournament features 48 countries competing across 104 matches in 16 host cities throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States, with millions of fans from around the world expected to travel over the coming weeks.

As excitement builds for one of the world’s biggest sporting events, Shannon Airport looks forward to extending a warm welcome and best wishes to all football supporters travelling through the West of Ireland on their World Cup journey.