CIE Tours, a trusted name in travel since 1932, is redefining how visitors experience Ireland with the launch of Walking and Hiking Adventures. Known for its exceptional guided tours across Ireland, Britain, and beyond, the company is venturing into active tourism to bring travellers closer to the Emerald Isle’s natural beauty.
Starting in 2026, two unique hiking packages will be available: Ireland Walking & Hiking: The Northern Coast and Ireland Walking & Hiking: Cork to Kerry. These eight-night tours, with departures from May to September, offer an immersive exploration of Ireland’s scenic landscapes. With group sizes ranging from six to sixteen, participants can expect five to six hours of guided walking daily, designed for light-active travellers.
“You don’t need to be a mountain climber,” assured Rosanne Zusman, Chief Commercial Officer of CIE Tours. The concept was developed following extensive surveys, revealing strong interest in more active tour options.
Expanding Horizons with New Destinations
CIE Tours is also branching out geographically with its first-ever Spain tour launching in 2025. The Best of Spain tour spans nine days, exploring vibrant cities such as Madrid, Seville, Granada, Valencia, and Barcelona. It includes guided cultural experiences and is available as a classic tour, small group journey, or custom group package.
Back home in Ireland, CIE Tours is elevating luxury travel with the new Irish Supreme package. This enhanced nine-day tour offers a five-star experience, featuring top-tier accommodations and exclusive local partnerships to ensure an unforgettable journey.
Emerging Trends in Travel
Ireland remains the core focus for CIE Tours, but shifting travel trends are influencing their offerings. According to Zusman, the industry has seen erratic booking patterns post-COVID, with many travellers opting for shoulder season trips over traditional summer holidays. This change is evident even in cooler destinations like Ireland, suggesting travellers are prioritising less crowded experiences.
Agent Portal and Promotions
CIE Tours is set to launch a revamped travel advisor portal in early 2025. This update will streamline access to booking details, commission tracking, and client management, offering agents tools to maximise sales.
Additionally, the company’s popular two-for-one airfare sale returns in January, covering travel between June and August 2025. Advisors can also earn up to €735 (£600) in incentives for group bookings across destinations such as Ireland, Scotland, and Spain.