Ireland Promotes Luxury Travel Experiences at Connections Luxury UK & Ireland in Manchester, Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on September 29, 2025

In positive news for Ireland’s tourism industry, seven leading tourism enterprises, Westport Estate among them, partnered with Tourism Ireland at the highly regarded Connections Luxury UK & Ireland event in Manchester in March. Over three days, this event attracted over 100 high-end global travel buyers, providing a significant opportunity for Irish tourism businesses to present Ireland’s tourism offerings to wealthy travelers. With 2026 on the mind, the event is a golden opportunity to create long-lasting bonds and guarantee new business for the luxury travel industry.

An Exclusive Networking Opportunity for Ireland’s Tourism Industry

The Connections Luxury UK & Ireland event is a high-profile gathering designed to connect luxury hotels, resorts, and travel businesses with influential travel buyers who specialize in high-end tourism experiences. During the event, Irish tourism companies were given the opportunity to participate in bespoke one-to-one appointments with these buyers, as well as more informal networking sessions aimed at fostering relationships and facilitating future business collaborations.

This year’s event is particularly significant for Ireland as it offers a platform to attract international luxury travelers to Ireland, especially to regions like Mayo. In addition to luxury accommodation, Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine, and stunning landscapes are all key attractions that the tourism companies at the event hope to highlight.

Spotlight on Mayo: Attracting Luxury Holidaymakers

Among the tourism companies attending the event was the Westport Estate, a prominent destination in Mayo, known for its luxury offerings. The event served as an excellent opportunity for Westport Estate, along with other Irish tourism businesses, to engage with potential buyers, agents, and high-net-worth individuals looking to experience the best of Ireland.

The luxury tourism market is an integral part of Ireland’s economic landscape, and Mayo, with its scenic beauty and growing hospitality sector, is an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. By attending Connections Luxury, these businesses are positioning Mayo as an ideal destination for affluent tourists who appreciate fine dining, top-tier accommodations, and the peaceful tranquility that the West of Ireland is renowned for.

The event provided an ideal opportunity for tourism businesses in Mayo to expand their reach, establish new connections, and gain valuable insight into the preferences of international travelers. This kind of exposure is expected to not only boost tourism in Mayo but also ensure that Ireland remains a leading destination for luxury tourism in the years to come.

Highlighting Ireland’s Luxury Offerings: Castles, Resorts, and Cultural Experiences

David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Business Events and Luxury, underscored the importance of such events in promoting Ireland as a luxury destination. He stated, “Connections Luxury UK & Ireland is a superb platform to highlight the very best of what Ireland has to offer the discerning luxury traveller, including our boutique hotels, historic castles and luxury resorts, as well as our top visitor attractions and rich culture and heritage.”

The Irish tourism businesses attending the event showcased a diverse range of offerings designed to meet the unique needs of luxury travelers. These included elegant boutique hotels, centuries-old castles turned into five-star accommodations, and luxurious resorts set in Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, Irish cuisine, wine experiences, and cultural tours of cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway were all part of the package that was presented to potential buyers.

With tailored travel experiences, including private tours, bespoke culinary events, and exclusive spa packages, Irish tourism companies are capitalizing on the growing demand for unique and luxurious travel experiences. The event in Manchester allowed them to directly connect with buyers and provide tailored recommendations, demonstrating Ireland’s capability to meet the desires of high-end international travelers.

Boosting Global Tourism Business in 2026 and Beyond

The Connections Luxury UK & Ireland event also plays a pivotal role in securing business for the future. According to David Boyce, the event is a “valuable opportunity for our tourism partners from Ireland to connect with the luxury travel buyers, ensuring Ireland secures an even greater share of global luxury travel business in 2026 and beyond.”

While the event may have a direct impact on tourism for 2026, the relationships forged at Connections Luxury will have long-term benefits for Ireland’s tourism industry. Many of the buyers attending the event were not only looking for immediate bookings but were also interested in exploring Ireland as a long-term destination for their clients. The contacts made at such high-caliber events can result in repeat business, further solidifying Ireland’s position as a luxury destination.

Tourism businesses from Ireland, particularly in Mayo, are now better equipped to cater to the needs of international tourists by adapting their offerings and services based on the feedback they received from these influential buyers.

The Growing Appeal of Irish Luxury Tourism

Ireland has long been a favored destination for tourists seeking natural beauty, history, and rich cultural experiences. However, its appeal to the luxury travel market has grown significantly in recent years. With a combination of historic castles, five-star accommodations, and high-end experiences like private helicopter tours over the Cliffs of Moher, the country has become a go-to location for luxury seekers.

Tourism Ireland is actively working to market these experiences to global buyers, ensuring that luxury tourism to Ireland continues to expand. The connections made at events like Connections Luxury UK & Ireland are an important part of this strategy, positioning Ireland as an upscale destination that can cater to the demands of the world’s most discerning travelers.

Future Prospects for Luxury Tourism in Ireland

As the tourism industry looks ahead to 2026, the connections made at Connections Luxury UK & Ireland will play a critical role in ensuring Ireland continues to grow its share of the luxury travel market. With increased competition from other destinations, it is vital for Ireland to continually evolve its offerings and promote its unique blend of luxury experiences to attract high-end visitors.

Mayo, along with other regions in Ireland, is well-positioned to benefit from the increased exposure brought about by these networking events. With its natural beauty, heritage sites, and growing luxury accommodations, the West of Ireland is poised to be an even more attractive destination for affluent tourists in the years to come.

The success of events like Connections Luxury highlights the importance of cultivating relationships within the global luxury travel community. With ongoing efforts, Ireland can continue to capture the attention of luxury holidaymakers and secure its place as one of the world’s premier luxury destinations.

Ireland’s Luxury Tourism Industry Takes Center Stage

The Connections Luxury UK & Ireland event in Manchester let Irish tourism companies break into the global luxury market. Ireland’s tourism market, especially Mayo, is ready for success. Engaging with luxury travel buyers showcased Ireland’s customized high-end offerings. This guarantees Ireland will remain as one of the top destinations for luxury tourism for the years to come.