Check out Ireland HQ

Tourism Ireland has launched Ireland HQ, a new travel agent education program that’s been designed specifically for Canada. Focusing exclusively on Canadian travellers, Ireland HQ provides agents improved better planning tools that will help them create and sell the best Ireland vacation to their clients. Along with updated information on helping clients prepare before they go and while they’re there, agents will also learn about the island of Ireland in a fun and interactive way that includes integrated video featuring Ireland’s cities, regions, and sites and attractions. Additional reading links to Tourism Ireland’s web site — http://www.discoverireland.com — are also available so agents can learn more about specific cities, regions and attractions to better meet their clients’ needs. The program material will be updated regularly to include new information on air access, and new product and accommodation options. Ireland HQ replaces the Shamrock Club. As well, all qualified Ireland HQ Special Agents are eligible to win one of five prizes provided by Tourism Ireland. The two grand prizes are a piece of Waterford Crystal and the three runner-up prizes are Ireland-themed DVDs so the lucky winners can bring a little bit of Ireland home with them. Contest entry is not required as random winners will be selected from all Qualified Ireland HQ Special Agents after the contest closes on May 31, 2012. So jump into the four Ireland HQ assignments — Introduction to Ireland; Getting to and around Ireland; What to do & see; Regions of Ireland — now to become a certified Ireland HQ Special Agent. New travel consultants are invited to register for the free program to further their knowledge of Ireland, while existing agents are encouraged to re-take the course to update their Ireland knowledge. So check in a HQ by going to http://www.irelandhq.ca ; e-mailing tradeinfo.ca@tourismireland.com ; or calling Jonathan Sargeant at 1-866-477-7717.