IT IS GOOD TO TALK: Pictured at the launch of the 'Let's Talk Tourism' conference, which is taking place next Friday (November 8) in The Great Southern Killarney are: Mags O'Connor (AIB, sponsor), Moira Murrell (Kerry County Manager), Paul Kelly (Chief Executive Fáilte Ireland), Niamh O'Shea (IHF Kerry), Paul Sherry (President Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce). Photo: Don MacMonagle

A young, third generation Killarney hotelier will share the stage with a renowned climate change specialist, civic leaders and tourism industry heads at a high-profile conference in Killarney next Friday.

Marcus Treacy, who is Operations Director in the Killarney Park and Ross Hotels, will speak on the sustainable agenda at the annual ‘Let’s Talk Tourism: The National Tourism Forum’ in the Great Southern Killarney.

Moderator for the day-long event which is themed ‘Sustainability: The foundation for our future’ will be broadcaster Olivia O’Leary, with the opening address by Minister of State for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin.

Kerry County Council Chief Executive, Moira Murrell, will participate in a panel discussion along with John McGrillen, Tourism Northern Ireland; Jenny De Saulles, Fáilte Ireland; Niall Gibbons, Tourism Ireland and travel industry commentator Eoghan Corry.

Climate scientist, Prof John Sweeney, who is Emeritus Professor in Maynooth University and has worked on climate change issues for almost 40 years, will deliver one of the keynote addresses.

He will give his views on the impact of teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg, Extinction Rebellion campaigners and whether there is any evidence of success from protests favoured by green campaigners.

Panel discussions will focus on the sustainable agenda and experts will offer practical, real-life examples of sustainable practices and their ensuing impact.