The race is on! Fifteen travel advisors from Canada and an equal number from the U.S. have landed in Ireland for one of the most joyful events of the annual travel industry calendar.
The Air Canada – United Airlines Race 2024 will see those advisors hit the streets of Dublin today, an ancient city famous for friendliness and fun. In an ‘Amazing Race’-style competition, they’ll ramble through historic city streets, using the latest technology to help identify and uncover hidden challenges, questions and activities, earning points for their efforts.
Tourism Ireland Country Manager Canada Sandra Moffat welcomes the Air Canada-United Race 2024 group to Dublin. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Members of the winning team will earn a truly grand prize: a return trip to Ireland for two, courtesy of Air Canada and United Airlines, which will be awarded at a gala event this evening.
Advisors arrived from across the U.S. and Canada yesterday, tired but pumped to be in one of the world’s hospitality hotspots. After checking in to the lovely Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin’s Ballsbridge neighbourhood, the group enjoyed a sensational and sizeable lunch of Irish specialties at the nearby Roly’s Bistro.
After a hop-on, hop-off tour of the city – a perfect introduction for the many first-time visitors on the trip – there was a short break before more delicious food and fine live Irish music at The Dean Dublin, a popular boutique hotel and restaurant. Then it was back to the hotel for some much-needed rest prior to the Race itself
“We are thrilled to extend our best wishes to all participants at this year’s Air Canada-United Airlines Race in Dublin,” says Vincent Gauthier-Doré, Air Canada’s Managing Director, Canada and USA Sales.
“This event marks the strength of our travel agents’ partnership and the shared vision for supporting our mutual customers. A special thank you to Tourism Ireland for their continued support and hospitality. Together, we look forward to celebrating our industry with a day of friendly competition during the Race!”
Left to right: Paul McDonagh, Trade Manager, US, Tourism Ireland; Letty Cronin, Trade Team, Failte Ireland; Lupita Cardiel, Sales Manager, Air Canada; Cathy Cangemi, Account Manager, United; Sandra Moffat, Country Manager, Canada, Tourism Ireland; Edna Ray, Senior Sales Manager, Air Canada; Lauren Lamonday, Business Partnerships Executive, Tourism Ireland Canada; Elizabeth Ohayon, Manager, Regional Sales, Air Canada; Laurie Severance-Johnson, United for Business Marketing. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Along with her counterparts on both sides of the Atlantic, Sandra Moffatt, Country Manager – Canada at Tourism Ireland, welcomed the event.
“We’re delighted that Ireland will host the Air Canada-United Airlines Race in 2024. This event will unite top industry professionals from North America to explore all the wonders our island has to offer. Air Canada and United Airlines are key players in boosting connectivity and tourism to Ireland, and this partnership represents a significant investment in our shared vision for sustainable growth. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!”
A pair of Dublin’s glorious Georgian doors. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
The Air Canada – United Airlines Race is the evolution of the nearly 20-year-old brainchild of Edna Ray, the Vancouver-based long-time Senior Manager, Regional Sales for Air Canada. What started as a car rally from Richmond, BC to Whistler in 2006 designed to help AC sales staff engage with advisors, the event has become a complex international gathering that also celebrates the trans-border joint venture between Air Canada and United.
After events in places including Seattle, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Orlando, the Air Canada Race went transatlantic in 2015 with a Visit Britain-sponsored event in London and Edinburgh. Subsequent events were held in France and Switzerland. At the Swiss Race, a day of workshops between local destination suppliers and advisors was added, adding value for both.
Last year’s event in Portugal’s Alentejo region marked the first official Air Canada-United race, and it was a big success, as we reported in TravelPulse Canada.
The Race is the platform, but the relationships formed are the real prize, says United’s Laurie Severance-Johnson. “Edna has been very gracious in bringing us her baby. It shows how interdependent we all are, and gives us a chance to share best practices.”
Tiago Veloso, Managing Director of Sales Agency at United Airlines added: “We’re excited to welcome our travel advisors to Dublin for this special event, showcasing not only Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes but also the enduring partnerships that drive our industry forward. In collaboration with Air Canada and Tourism Ireland, we celebrate the strength of our shared commitment to enriching travel experiences and fostering connections that go beyond borders.”
Following the race, participants will dive into a full-day workshop alongside 60 Irish industry partners, featuring hoteliers, attractions, and immersive experience providers, giving advisors the opportunity to learn about Ireland’s history, heritage and hidden gems.
This full day of meetings will wrap up with a vibrant celebration of traditional Irish music and dance to showcase Ireland’s brilliant culture and hospitality. Most attendees will stay on for three more days, setting off in different directions to explore one of the island’s distinct regions: the Wild Atlantic Way, the Hidden Heartlands, Ireland’s Ancient East and Northern Ireland.
Follow #AirCanadaUnitedAirlinesRace for live updates. You’ll find more pics and coverage on our Facebook page and at TravelPulse.ca.