Visit USA Roadshow 2026

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The Visit USA Committee Ireland Roadshows returned to Cork and Dublin on 28 and 29 April 2026, creating an important platform for US destinations and travel brands to meet with senior members of the Irish travel trade.

This year’s programme took place at Hayfield Manor Hotel in Cork and The Leinster Hotel in Dublin, attracting key decision-makers from travel agencies and tour operators across the country.

The roadshows were supported by a strong and varied sponsor line-up, including Visit Detroit, Hertz, Bradley International Airport, Louisville Tourism, Florida Keys & Key West and Florida’s Space Coast. Collectively, they demonstrated the remarkable diversity of the US holiday offering, from dynamic city breaks and cultural escapes to coastal getaways, fly-drive adventures, space-themed experiences, food and drink itineraries and outdoor exploration.

As a voluntary, non-profit organisation, Visit USA Committee Ireland works to promote the United States as a leisure and business travel destination. It acts as an important link between its members, the Irish travel trade, travel media and consumers, while also maintaining a close working relationship with the US Foreign & Commercial Service at the US Embassy in Dublin.

The 2026 roadshows came at a valuable time for the sector, giving US suppliers direct access to Irish travel professionals as interest in long-haul travel continues to evolve. Attendees included managing directors, product developers, marketing chiefs and owner-operators from leading travel agencies and tour operators such as American Holidays, Tour America, Click&Go, Sunway, Best4Travel, Shandon Travel, Cassidy Travel and Travel Department.

For participating US destinations and suppliers, the roadshows offered an opportunity to build relationships, deliver product updates and encourage the development of new USA itineraries for Irish holidaymakers. For the Irish travel trade, the events provided first-hand destination knowledge, practical selling insights and fresh inspiration to help agents and operators promote the USA with confidence.

The sponsor presentations reflected the scale and variety of experiences available across the United States.

Visit Detroit showcased a city with a powerful story to tell, combining music, culture, sport, food and urban renewal. The wider Detroit region offers vibrant neighbourhoods, cultural attractions, waterfront experiences and major sporting venues, giving Irish travellers plenty of reasons to consider the city as part of a wider US itinerary.

Louisville Tourism highlighted the city’s distinctive Southern character, with a strong focus on bourbon, culinary travel, culture and iconic visitor attractions. As a gateway to Bourbon Country, Louisville offers strong appeal for travellers interested in food, drink, heritage and authentic regional experiences.

Florida Keys & Key West brought a unique island flavour to the roadshows. Connected by the famous Overseas Highway, the Florida Keys offer a memorable combination of turquoise waters, coral islands, snorkelling, diving, boating, fishing and laid-back coastal charm.

Florida’s Space Coast presented a compelling mix of beach, nature and space exploration. With 72 miles of coastline, easy access from Orlando, Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, wildlife experiences and Kennedy Space Center, the destination offers a distinctive proposition for families, couples and adventure-seekers alike.

Bradley International Airport had particular relevance for the Irish market thanks to Aer Lingus’ direct Dublin–Hartford service. The route provides Irish travellers with a convenient gateway to Connecticut and the wider New England region, supporting both leisure itineraries and business travel.

Hertz added an important fly-drive element to the roadshow message, underlining the freedom and flexibility that car rental brings to a US holiday. From scenic highways and national parks to coastal routes, small towns and multi-centre itineraries, exploring by car allows Irish visitors to go beyond the main gateways and experience more of the country at their own pace.

Following successful events in Cork and Dublin, the Visit USA Committee Ireland Roadshows once again demonstrated the strength of trade engagement around US travel from Ireland. By connecting US destinations and suppliers directly with the Irish travel industry, Visit USA Committee Ireland continues to support product development, destination awareness and long-term growth in travel between Ireland and the United States.