Canadians encouraged to ‘Jump Into Ireland’

Tourism Ireland has jumped into 2012 with a new global initiative “Jump Into Ireland”to promote the island of Ireland worldwide. The campaign was created to reflect the island’s “sense of playfulness and natural beauty”to potential and returning visitors. In Canada, the campaign will be rolled out over the next few months and will feature advertising across several digital channels. “Tourism Ireland is really excited to launch this new campaign,”says Jayne Shackleford, manager of Tourism Ireland in Canada, “which was designed to further build on the 7% increase in visitor arrivals from Canada to Ireland last year. In 2012, we are inviting Canadians to fully immerse themselves in Irish culture where they can explore the land and get to know the people. They’re also guaranteed a warm welcome by the locals and can expect that renowned Irish hospitality.”Tourism Ireland also wants Canadians to Jump Into Northern Ireland in 2012 as part of their Ireland vacation experience. The new Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, which will open in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter on March 31, is a six-storey building designed to look like four ship hulls and contains exhibitions that uncover the story of Titanic including its origins, construction, launch and history. Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, will also open its new state-of-the-art visitor centre in September. Tourism Ireland will also be launching its 2012 Partnership Program this month. The program is for Canadian consumers and includes a 16-page direct mail offers booklet featuring special offers from Canadian tour operators and a selection of online travel deals from key Irish partners. The program will be complemented by an online advertising campaign. (http://www.discoverireland.com)