Businesses developing sharper storytelling and immersive experiences for visitors
With a growing tourism trend for seeking out authentic experiences rooted in history and the special attributes of a region, local craft experiences are increasingly fitting the bill for the modern tourist. Getting on the front foot of this trend, craft businesses across Ireland’s Ancient East have this week taken part in a Craft Experience Development workshop organised by Fáilte Ireland, helping them to develop more immersive visitor experiences across the region.
The workshop, which took place in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise, focuses on developing world-class craft tourism experiences in Ireland, and takes businesses through the elements of a craft experience which makes them stand out to tourists, as well as how they can generate extra revenue and attract visitors from key overseas markets.
Over 40 businesses from across Ireland’s Ancient East, including pottery businesses, wood turners, studios and galleries, took part in the workshop and heard first hand from stone carver Victor Daly who has transformed his own business into a top-class craft experience (see notes for more detail).
The course is part of Fáilte Ireland’s ongoing work to develop brilliant visitor experiences across Ireland’s Ancient East. It is hoped that a unique network of craft experiences will be created in the coming months and, in turn, provide a visitor experience of scale which has the potential to attract increased numbers of tourists and encourage them to spend more time exploring the region.
Speaking at the workshop, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East, Jenny De Saulles, Fáilte Ireland, said:
“We are delighted to have so many businesses attending this unique workshop, each making such a valuable contribution to the development of the craft experience in Ireland’s Ancient East.
“Today’s workshop focuses on the potential of craft tourism visitor experiences in Ireland, and what it is that tourists from key overseas markets are looking for. By providing this kind of insight, each of these businesses can develop more tailored and immersive experiences which will help them to attract more visitors and generate extra revenue. Through building a high quality craft experience across the region, we are giving overseas visitors another compelling reason to visit Ireland’s Ancient East.”
The workshop in Portlaoise was delivered by Craft and Experience Development Specialist Dr Siobhán Burke, and is one of many workshops Fáilte Ireland has facilitated in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Jump to top