870,000 Scandinavians Read All About Laois
Journalists from Norway, Sweden and Denmark have been exploring Ireland’s Ancient East, as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. As a result of their visit, more than 870,000 Scandinavians will be reading all about Laois and Ireland’s Ancient East over the coming months.
The special theme of the visit was ‘digital detox’ – so the journalists were requested to switch off their mobile devices in order to get away from it all and to truly appreciate their surroundings, while discovering the rich history and heritage of Ireland’s Ancient East, including Co Laois. One of the highlights of their time here was an overnight stay in Castle Durrow.
(back, l-r) Erik Valebrokk, KK Living magazine (Norway); Johan Oberg, Svenska Dagbladet newspaper (Sweden); and Peter Kvorning, Fyens Stiftidende newspaper (Denmark); front (l-r) Anna Wahlgren, Icakuriren magazine (Sweden); Christina Bild, Kombi magazine (Sweden); Hanne Hoiberg-Nielsen, Børsen newspaper (Denmark); and Annica Jansson, Tourism Ireland, visit Ireland’s Ancient East.
Aileen Hickey, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Nordic Region, said: “We were delighted that these influential journalists took the time to come and visit Laois and Ireland’s Ancient East. Fact-finding visits like this are an important element of our overall promotional programme, providing an excellent opportunity to showcase the many things to see and do in Ireland’s Ancient East – and elsewhere on the island of Ireland – to potential Scandinavian holidaymakers.
“The Nordic Region is an important market for tourism to the island of Ireland, with the latest CSO figures indicating growth of about +3.5% in Nordic visitors to Ireland, for the January to August period. This visit was just one element of our busy autumn programme of promotions, to keep the momentum going and boost business in the shoulder and off-peak season.”