A

Fáilte Ireland, met with key players involved in Kerry tourism industry in The Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney. The industry briefing focused on the Wild Atlantic Way and its future, from left, Steve Lynott,Ballinskelligs Dark Skies, Fáilte Ireland Executive Declan Murphy, Jackie Davitt, Atlantic Villa, Valentia Island and Brian McGrath, Valentia Island Development Association.Photo:Valerie O'Sullivan

A GROUP of over 20 top UK Incoming Tour Operators arrived in Killarney this week to meet and do business with over 60 key Irish tourism businesses from across the country at a workshop in The Brehon Hotel.

The workshop, organised by Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, was designed to help attract more overseas visitors from key markets. A number of Kerry representatives attended the workshop including Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa; Best Western Eviston House Hotel; Killarney Jaunting Cars – Tangney Tours; Parknasilla Hotel; Randles Hotel; Sneem Hotel and Rose Travel, Killarney.

To further showcase what Ireland has to offer, bespoke itineraries were provided by Fáilte Ireland giving an opportunity for the tour operators to experience accommodation, dining, entertainment, visitor attractions options in the Kerry and Cork region. Among the places they visited were Kenmare, a walking tour and visit to The Park Hotel, a tour of the Ring of Kerry, Muckross House & Gardens, Valentia Island and Cromwell Point Lighthouse, the Skellig Experience Centre and Kerry Dark Sky walk.

Speaking at the workshop, Ciara Sugrue, Head of Trade and Promotions, Fáilte Ireland said: “These influential tour operators have the capacity to deliver significant amounts of visitors to Ireland and their presence here is a testimony to Ireland’s appeal as a destination. To further showcase what Ireland has to offer, bespoke itineraries were provided giving an opportunity for the British buyers to experience Kerry during the course of their stay giving them context when meeting with Industry during the workshop.”

The workshop provides a cost and time-effective business opportunity for the Irish tourism businesses to meet buyers and engage in one-to-one sales meetings to either make initial contact or maintain already established business relationships.
 

 
From left, Gretel O'Sullivan, Destination Killarney, Valerie Wilger, Dalata Hotel Group, Marco Nembrini, UK Tour Operator, Oonagh Kelly, Fáilte Ireland. PICTURE: VALERIE O'SULLIVAN