Italian journalists who flew in on the new Ryanair flight from Milan (Bergamo) to Knock with Ornella Gamacchio, Tourism Ireland (front left).
A group of influential Italian journalists flew into Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) last week on the brand new Ryanair flight from Milan (Bergamo), en route to Sligo as part of a fact-finding trip to the west and north-west. The journalists’ visit was organised by Tourism Ireland, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Ryanair.
Given that the journalists all represented media outlets from northern Italy, within easy reach of Milan (Bergamo) Airport, the aim of this visit was to highlight the new Ryanair route and the excellent connectivity between Italy and this part of Ireland. It was also a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of what Sligo has to offer potential Italian holidaymakers. During their time in Sligo, the journalists enjoyed the Eagles Flying show in Ballymote; visited Yeats’ grave and Drumcliffe church; and paid a visit to The Model arts centre. Their itinerary also included the megalithic tombs at Carrowmore, a bodhrán workshop at the Radisson Blu Hotel; and a visit to the Kilcullen Seaweed Baths in Enniscrone.
The group stayed at Markree Castle. Niamh Kinsella, Tourism Ireland’s manager in Italy, said: “This new Ryanair flight from Milan Bergamo to Ireland West Airport Knock is really great news and will expand travel options for Italian holidaymakers living in and around Milan who wish to visit the west of Ireland this year. Tourism Ireland is working closely with Ryanair, Ireland West Airport Knock and other tourism interests to drive demand for this service from Milan, to help maintain our vital network of routes and services and to grow tourism business from Italy. “Tourism Ireland is delighted to welcome this group of journalists to Sligo and to the west of Ireland. Fact-finding visits like this are very important; they are a really effective way for us to get positive exposure for Ireland through the media in Italy, helping us to showcase what Sligo has to offer to a wide audience of potential Italian holidaymakers.”
