Failte Ireland had to cancel 'Meitheal' , its annual workshop for the international travel trade, because of the disruption of air traffic. The event was due to open in Dublin to-day (Tuesday).

A  majority of the 275 overseas operators from 23 countries who had signed up for the event were unable to travel to Dublin.

The cancellation is a huge disappointment to 300 Irish hoteliers, incoming tour operators and service providers who attend the event annually to sell facilities for the coming year to the visiting travel agents and tour organisers. It has also resulted in the last minute cancellation of more than 1,000 bednights in Dublin hotels.

Failte Ireland hopes to re-organise the event in May, but there are worries that Irish providers will be getting busy then and the diaries of visiting buyers may be full.