Kerry prepares to bring Irish tourism on ‘a great adventure’

Plans to make Ireland a global centre for activity and outdoors holidays will be boosted by a conference to be attended by 650 international delegates next month.

Preparations for the hosting of the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s (ATTA) World Summit in Killarney, Co Kerry, on October 6-9, are well advanced.

More than 50 key industry members yesterday attended a Fáilte Ireland workshop and countdown event, in the Brehon Hotel, Killarney.

It was addressed by Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe, who also met with local adventure and activity providers.

The conference, to be addressed by some top experts in the field, will be worth almost €1m, along with the significant marketing, industry education and global networking value.

Delegates will represent some of the most influential global decision-makers from the adventure travel industry, and the event is seen as a significant boost to the campaign to grow visitor numbers in this sector of the travel market, particularly along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Almost 400 delegates have registered for a Day of Adventure on the opening day, with 31 different activities to choose from. There will also be a number of group tours to adventure and activity venues around Ireland in the week leading up to the conference.

Mr Donohoe said the conference would be a real boost to efforts to promote the country for adventure holidays.

Speakers at the workshop included international adventure tourism specialist Monica Price and Irish digital expert Amanda Webb. There was also a live link-up to Shannon Stowell, US president of the ATTA.

Tracey Coughlan, of Fáilte Ireland, said holding the conference here was a mark of approval from leaders of the global adventure trade.

“Ireland is now being increasingly recognised as a destination with the assets that can deliver unique adventure experiences and compelling offers to visitors who love the great outdoors,’’ she said.