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Minister Brendan Griffin recently launched Killarney Chamber Of Tourism and Commerce's development strategy to become Ireland's leading accessible destination to a room full of chamber business members at The Brehon Hotel.

The Killarney Chamber President, Paul O' Neill welcomed everyone, especially the Minister, Failte Ireland and Kerry County Council.

In Paul's address he outlined the plan: “We are trying to create a destination for everyone. As an Industry we have to make sure we give a world class service to all people through the full human life cycle. To do this we must make sure our facilities, products, services and IT are inclusive to all.”

He went on to point out where the journey began through chamber member, Paudie Healy, and Universal Access and the work they were doing internationally. They were selected by the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT) to develop and manage the World Tourism For All international pilot and Universal Access selected Ireland and Killarney to run the pilot.

“For this project in Killarney, Kerry and Ireland to be a success it is going to take collaboration between all different tourism service providers in the private sector, local and national government and various stakeholders and tonight we are launching a development strategy, a pathway, an intention - this is NOT the finished article.

“We are by no means currently a leading accessible destination. Everyone here tonight and the wider business community through all different sectors and the public bodies must be part of the journey. Universal Access will be giving this opportunity to all businesses be part of the ‘Killarney: A Destination For All’ programme over the next number of months.

“Capital investment, upgrading and modernising of facilities will develop over time but to begin with it is about showing a desire, knowledge and an openness to help our visitors and their individual needs and that is done through training and awareness”.

Minister Griffin later presented World Tourism For All certificates to the hotels in the world programme at present:

• Gleneagle Hotel
• Killarney Plaza Hotel
• Victoria House Hotel
• The Brehon Hotel
• Killarney Avenue Hotel
• Killarney Towers Hotel
• The Park Place Apart Hotel
• The Maritime Hotel
• Killarney Park Hotel
• Muckross Park Hotel
• Dromhall Hotel
• The Great Southern Hotel
• International Hotel

Pic: Don MacMonagle.