Tourism Ireland Hosts Lunch & Learn Events in Lyon, Rennes and Nantes, Connecting Irish Tourism Companies with their French Agents to Boost Growth

Published on March 2, 2026

Tourism Ireland has organized a series of events called “Lunch & Learn” in France this week, focusing on building relationships between nine tourism companies from Ireland and travel agents in France. These events are being held in cities such as Lyon, Rennes, and Nantes, and are expected to improve the promotion of Ireland’s tourism industry, thus increasing tourism in the coming years, including 2026 and beyond.

Connecting Irish Tourism Companies with French Travel Professionals

The Lunch & Learn events serve as a networking platform for Irish tourism businesses to interact with French travel professionals who play a key role in bringing visitors to Ireland. With Ireland’s tourism sector experiencing a post-pandemic resurgence, the events are an opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse offerings, including its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and vibrant cities, to French travel agents. By engaging with these professionals, Irish companies aim to secure a larger share of the French market, fostering growth in the tourism industry.

The events focus on providing French travel agents with the tools and knowledge to better market Ireland as a top-tier destination. By doing so, Tourism Ireland hopes to attract more French visitors, who are known to appreciate authentic cultural experiences and unique travel offerings. This direct outreach to French tour operators is expected to generate long-term tourism benefits for Ireland.

Tourism Growth: Enhancing Ireland’s Appeal to French Tourists

The events in Lyon, Rennes, and Nantes are crucial for driving tourism growth from France, one of Ireland’s most important source markets. By fostering stronger relationships with French tour operators, Tourism Ireland can increase the visibility of Ireland’s tourism offerings and boost the number of French tourists traveling to the country.

Through these Lunch & Learn events, Irish tourism companies can showcase their unique products and experiences to French agents, leading to an increase in bookings and a higher volume of tourist arrivals. This collaboration not only benefits the companies directly involved but also plays a pivotal role in supporting the broader Irish tourism industry, contributing to the economic impact of tourism in Ireland.

A Boost to Ireland’s Tourism Economy

The impact of these events is not limited to the immediate tourism sector but extends to the wider Irish economy. Increased tourism from France brings economic benefits, including job creation, local business stimulation, and the growth of Ireland’s hospitality and tourism infrastructure. The French market, being one of the largest sources of international tourists to Ireland, is a crucial element in driving tourism revenue and sustaining economic recovery in the post-pandemic period.

With France’s growing interest in Ireland’s tourism offerings, the Lunch & Learn events are expected to strengthen Ireland’s position as a key travel destination in Europe. By encouraging French travel agents to promote Ireland as a preferred destination, Tourism Ireland hopes to see sustained growth in French arrivals, which will have a long-term positive impact on the country’s tourism revenues and economic stability.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Long-Term Growth

The Lunch & Learn events also support sustainable tourism initiatives by focusing on promoting responsible travel practices. By educating French travel professionals on the importance of sustainable tourism, Ireland is positioning itself as a destination that values eco-friendly practices and cultural preservation, appealing to the increasing number of travelers who prioritize sustainability in their travel choices.

As part of its long-term tourism growth strategy, Tourism Ireland aims to ensure that the country remains a competitive, sustainable destination, capable of attracting high-value tourists from France and other markets. These efforts contribute to the broader goal of ensuring that tourism in Ireland benefits not only the economy but also the environment and local communities, offering visitors meaningful experiences that support the well-being of the destination.

Strengthening Ireland’s Global Tourism Network

The Lunch & Learn events in Lyon, Rennes, and Nantes are a key part of Ireland’s strategy to expand its tourism network and build stronger relationships with global tourism operators. By continuing to engage with international markets like France, Tourism Ireland can ensure that the country remains at the forefront of global tourism trends and continues to attract visitors in the coming years.

Through direct engagement with French tour operators, these events create a foundation for future tourism partnerships, ensuring Ireland’s tourism sector remains robust, competitive, and aligned with evolving traveler preferences. As France continues to be a leading source of tourists, the Lunch & Learn events are an important step in securing long-term tourism success for Ireland.

A Strategic Move to Drive Tourism Growth in Ireland

The Lunch & Learn events in France create a turning point for Tourism Ireland’s initiatives to foster growth and economic impact for tourism in Ireland. The connection between Irish tourism companies and French travel industry professionals not only helps promote Ireland as a premier destination but also helps create a vital link for the tourism economy in Ireland for 2026 and beyond. The partnership between Ireland and France will contribute to the growth and success of Ireland’s tourism industry, making sure that Ireland remains a top destination for travel within Europe.

Image Source: Tourism Ireland