The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) announced that Philadelphia will host the 2018 Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) Annual Conference, which will take place in November 2018.
Announced during ITAA’s Irish Travel Trade Show in Dublin on 12 April 2018, the Conference in Philadelphia will offer agents the opportunity to strengthen relationships with travel professionals throughout Ireland and to enjoy a first-hand experience of what Philadelphia can offer to Irish holidaymakers.
This is an exciting year for Philadelphia, with the city welcoming several new tourism developments in 2018 including a new direct service from Dublin with Aer Lingus, which will join the already established year-round direct flight service from Dublin and seasonal service from Shannon with American Airlines. There will also be several new hotel openings such as the brand-new Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at the city’s new 60-story Comcast Center, providing guests with sky-high views of the city, and Starwood’s new dual-branded W and Element Hotels, which will be located at 15th and Chestnut Streets.
Pat Dawson, CEO of the ITAA said, “This will be the first time the ITAA Conference has taken place outside of Europe and we expect the conference to sell out quickly. Philadelphia is an exciting and vibrant city, and the new direct service from Aer Lingus makes it even more accessible to Irish travellers.”
Greg Evans, Account Director for the UK & Ireland for PHLCVB added, “This is a great accolade for the city and with direct services with American Airlines and Aer Lingus from Dublin and an additional American Airlines seasonal service from Shannon, the timing of hosting the event couldn’t come at a better time. It will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the city and surrounding areas to the Irish Travel Trade.”
The ITAA has represented Ireland’s Travel Agents and Tour Operators since its founding in 1971 and brings together approximately 100 member companies covering 140 branches in different towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland.
