If you build it, they will come.

That was the positive message Education Minister, Norma Foley, had for business leaders when she addressed a Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce members’ luncheon on Monday.
She described Killarney as “the beating heart” of the tourism industry and she said she admired the fact that businesses in the town were so progressive, forward-thinking and cohesive.
“You never stand still – there’s always more to be done,” she said.
“I want to acknowledge the extraordinary role played by individuals and the collective to ensure Killarney remains a vibrant, attractive and economically dynamic place.”

The minister was speaking at Hotel Killarney which has just completed the first phase of a major €9.5m renovation with the provision of 120 superior bedrooms and family suites and a complete redesign of its ground floor operations, including a new restaurant, new bar and new lobby area.
Minister Foley said when she visited Scotland for St Patrick’s Day she was very taken by the manner in which tourism providers there spoke so positively of Killarney’s warm charm, its people and the excellence of the product it provides.
She said Kerry has now adopted a more cohesive approach to tourism and when Killarney is successful, the rest of the county also benefits.
“55 per cent of visitors to Killarney also go elsewhere in the county and the top three destinations after Killarney are Dingle, Kenmare and Tralee,” she said, adding that an economically successful Killarney has a far-reaching spin-off.
“While Kerry is a county of many constituent parts, there is extraordinary power and there is an extraordinary opportunity in the collective,” the minister added.
“Kerry has a quality of life and a quality of place that is both inspiring and unique and Killarney, in particular, continues to grow and innovate every single day." 
Specifically praising the work of the Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Minister Foley said it is a tremendously proactive organisation that works very closely with the local authority, local businesses and the hospitality sector.
“Everybody is on the one page here and everybody has a role to play. Chamber’s leadership role is hugely important,” she said.