On October 10, CIE Tours, the premier tour operator for Ireland and Britain vacations, capped off a year of 90th anniversary celebrations with a reception in Dublin, Ireland. As a wholly owned subsidiary of holding company CIÉ Group (Córas Iompair Éireann), the Irish government’s national transport company, CIE Tours’ roots in Ireland run deep.
More than 150 attendees gathered at the Westin Dublin to mark the occasion and celebrate the long collaboration between Ireland and North America, including hoteliers, attraction partners, DMO tourism leaders, representatives from the Irish government and CIE Tours employees.
During the evening, guest of honor Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, addressed attendees by distinguishing CIE Tours as a leader in the Irish tourism economy. She noted that the US operator has earned a reputation for excellence in Irish hospitality. Since its establishment, CIE Tours has brought more than three million tourists to Ireland from North America.
Dearbhail McDonald, an award-winning Irish journalist, author, and broadcaster, emceed the evening, while Fiona Ross, Chair of CIÉ Group, and Elizabeth Crabill, CEO of CIE Tours, also addressed the guests.
A panel discussion led by Stephen Cotter, COO of CIE Tours, featured two of the company’s suppliers, Martin Feeney, owner of Atlantic Sheepdogs, and Phillip O’Neill, Group General Manager of Dalata Hotel Group. The panelists shared personal stories of how the tour operator has worked with their respective companies to develop and grow their local businesses over the years.
As a testament to CIE Tours’ leadership position in Irish tourism, the 90th anniversary celebration culminated with a special video message from Taoiseach Micheál Martin. In his congratulatory remarks, the Taoiseach recognized CIE Tours’ contribution to Ireland’s tourism economy, including support of employment in rural areas by taking visitors to all corners of the country. The Taoiseach noted, “You have also played an important role in sustaining the special link between Ireland and America over many, many decades. With nine decades of experience and strongest satisfaction, I am confident that CIE Tours will continue to grow from strength to strength.”
After the evening concluded, Elizabeth Crabill said, “It has been an honor and truly gratifying to be supported and congratulated by so many tourism partners and government dignitaries. CIE Tours is committed to the growth and sustainability of Ireland tourism, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen and further develop our business in this remarkable destination.”
The next day, the CIE Tours leadership team met in person with the Taoiseach who spent time reminiscing about the deep connection that he and his family have to CIÉ. The Taoiseach’s late father, Paddy ‘Champ’ Martin was not only an international boxing champion for Ireland but was a Cork-based CIÉ bus driver for years. The Taoiseach has remarked that childcare in his youth often meant doing his homework while seated at the back of the No 4 bus that his father drove in Cork city.
For more information on CIE Tours and its 90th anniversary celebration, please visit www.cietours.com/90