Western Mass officials and reps of companies including Yankee Candle and The Basketball Hall of Fame will travel to the Dingle Peninsula to promote the Springfield region and also the Aer Lingus services to Bradley.

Sponsoring organizations are funding the trip.

Officials believe there's great potential for VFR travel between the 2 destinations - it seems that many people living in the Dingle Peninsula have relatives in western MA, and vice-versa - made very convenient by the Aer Lingus flights.

While in Ireland the Western Mass delegation will meet with Irish tour operators, media and tourism officials.

The VFR angle is an interesting twist. Will both regions benefit equally? Hope they report on results next fall.