It really was an amazing race. Fifteen travel advisors from the U.S. and an equal number from Canada gathered in Ireland’s capital Dublin for one of the most joyful events of the annual travel industry calendar.
The Air Canada – United Airlines Race 2024 saw those advisors hit the streets of Dublin yesterday, an ancient city famous for friendliness and fun. In an ‘Amazing Race’-style competition, they rambled through historic city streets, using the latest technology to help identify and uncover hidden challenges, questions and activities, earning points for their efforts.
Members of the winning team pose with Dublin daughter Molly Malone. (Photo Credit: Tourism Ireland)
There was silliness and surprise along the way. One group met the Lord Mayor of the city and posed for a photo on the steps of his mansion. Another managed to convince a priest to appear in a vampire video in a nod to Bram Stoker, a Dubliner who wrote the famous novel Dracula. Only in Dublin? Quite likely.
Members of the winning team earned a truly grand prize: a return trip to Ireland for two, courtesy of United Airlines and Air Canada. The winner was announced at a gala dinner last night at Dublin’s Fire Steakhouse, set in a restored Victorian building in the heart of the city center.
Advisors arrived from across the U.S. and Canada on Sunday, 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.
Left to right: Edna Ray, Senior Sales Manager, Air Canada; Laurie Severance-Johnson, United for Business Marketing; and Cathy Cangemi, Account Manager, United, are three of the driving forces behind the Air Canada-United Race 2024. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
The Air Canada – United Airlines Race is the evolution of a nearly 20-year-old Air Canada project, which started as a car rally from Richmond, BC to Whistler in 2006. The event was designed to help AC sales staff engage with advisors. Air Canada Senior Sales Manager Edna Ray was part of the initial group creating the event, and it has become a two-decade passion project for her.
What started as a simple promotion evolved into a logistically complex international gathering that has been held in places including Seattle, San Francisco, England and Scotland, France, Switzerland and Portugal. Last year’s race in Portugal’s beautiful Alentejo region saw a further evolution, one that celebrates the important trans-border joint venture between Air Canada and United.
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.”
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)
For 2024, the United Airlines sales team was much more involved in the planning of the race. Both airlines invited key agency clients to apply for the trip. Following the application, prospective participants went through a six-week learning program, with content detailing the products and services of the two airlines, as well as destination knowledge.
Tiago Veloso, Managing Director of Sales Agency at United Airlines, stated: “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.”
Severance Johnson says she was surprised by how many first-time visitors to Ireland are among the selected advisors. “What a great way to learn and get a feel for what the country has to offer,” she said.
She added that to be successful, the Race has to make business sense for all the players – the airlines, the destination, local suppliers and the advisors taking time out of busy schedules to participate. This year’s Race ticked all those boxes, she said, and she praised Failte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, and Tourism Ireland for creating a truly immersive experience.
Tourism Ireland Country Manager Canada Sandra Moffat welcomes the Air Canada-United Race 2024 group to Dublin. (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 to host the Air Canada-United Airlines Race in 2024. This event unites 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!”
Members of the winning team pose with United Airlines, Air Canada and Irish tourism representatives. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Today, 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.
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