West Cork and Kenmare tourist operators join forces
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Josephine O’Driscoll, (second right) Manager Wild Atlantic Way, Cork & South, and Don Colbert, Failte Ireland, left, with tourism industry suppliers from West Cork and Kenmare. Photos: Valerie O’Sullivan valerie o sullivanImage 2 of 4
Marie Kennedy, Atlantic Sea Kayaking, Josephine O'Driscoll, Manager WAW Failte Ireland, Jim Kennedy Atlantic Sea Kayaking and Colin Wong, Emerald Outdoors, Kenmare, as over 50 tourism businesses from West Cork and Kenmare attended a special Fáilte Ireland networking event in the West Cork Hotel, in Skibbereen. valerie o sullivanImage 3 of 4
(Right) Frances Bonner, Sorcha Nic Craith, Golden Harber and Sozen and Josephine O’ Driscoll, Manager WAW Failte Ireland. valerie o sullivanImage 4 of 4
Pictured are tourism industry supplies from West Cork and Kenmare. valerie o sullivanOver 50 tourism businesses from West Cork and Kenmare attended a special Fáilte Ireland networking event in the West Cork Hotel, in Skibbereen last week. Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way team provided the attendees with an update on key initiatives for the destination.
The event was organised by Fáilte Ireland under the West Cork and Kenmare DEDP in-conjunction with Kerry County Council, Cork County Council and Pure Cork to build collaboration across the tourism industry from West Cork and Kenmare, encouraging businesses to work together and cross-sell to attract visitors and inspire them to explore the destination and all it has to offer.
Face-to-face networking sessions were also facilitated among accommodation providers, visitor attractions and activities to provide them with the opportunity to forge new connections and renew old ones.
The meetings focused on how tourism businesses can work together to collectively sell the region as an exciting destination with a range of things to see and do for all demographics of visitors.
A panel discussion which included Fáilte Ireland representatives and local tourism businesses gave attendees real insights into how effective collaboration can benefit small businesses and offer the visitor an enhanced experience.
Panellists from Atlantic Sea Kayaking, Emerald Outdoors and Gormú discussed how West Cork & Kenmare has so much to offer the visitor with a diverse range of outdoor and coastal activities.
Josephine O’Driscoll, Wild Atlantic Way Manager with Fáilte Ireland, commented: “We’re really pleased that so many West Cork and Kenmare tourism businesses joined us for this networking event.
“There has been so many new additions and updates to the tourism offering in the region, it was important to come together today and identify opportunities to develop closer working relationships and encourage cross-selling and further collaboration to encourage visitors to explore further, stay longer and spend more,” she said.
West Cork and Kenmare DEDP Co-Chairs, Des O’Dowd (Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa) and Neil Lucey (Gougane Barra Hotel) said: “We value tourism in West Cork and Kenmare, and its significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of the area. Today’s event gave us the opportunity to showcase not only our amazing products but also to connect, collaborate, and create experiences that leave a lasting impact beyond our borders.
“The new relationships and collaborations ignited today will not only enhance the visitor’s experience but also for the benefit of the local communities who live and work here.”