Fáilte Ireland meets local Kerry tourism representatives to discuss recovery of Kerry tourism

The Authority (Board) of Fáilte Ireland held its March meeting today (Thursday, March 31st) in Killarney and afterwards took the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from the local tourism industry.

 

Discussions focused on recovery of tourism both nationally and in Kerry. They discussed Fáilte Ireland’s work on national issues facing the industry including the long-term impact of the war in Ukraine on Irish tourism and current staffing and skills challenges in the industry. Fáilte Ireland’s work on the ground in Kerry in collaboration with tourism operators, building excellent visitor experiences was also a strong focus for discussions.

 

Fáilte Ireland’s Board meeting in Killarney coincides with the staging of Meitheal, Fáilte Ireland’s longest running flagship trade event taking place over two days (31st March and 1st April) at the INEC Arena. Meitheal has returned to an in-person format for the first time in two years.

 

A major part of the Authority’s agenda for its meeting was to hear directly from local tourism leaders and businesses about their challenges, opportunities, and outlook for the season ahead and beyond. In turn the Authority’s message to the representatives was one of collaboration, action and support for the local Kerry tourism industry. In addition, a preview of Fáilte Ireland’s new Killarney Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP) was presented to the industry representatives ahead of its formal launch in the coming weeks.  This Plan is one of four such strategic development plans being rolled out in Co. Kerry by Fáilte Ireland along with local industry Kerry County Council and other key stakeholders. Other DEDPs include Dingle Peninsula DEDP, launched 2020; Skellig Coast DEDP, launched 2017; The Cliff Coast DEDP, which is expected to launch in December 2022) and the West Cork Three Peninsulas & Kenmare, which is expected to be launched in May.

 

The local tourism stakeholders meeting with the Fáilte Ireland Authority in Killarney include:

 

Moira Murrell, CEO Kerry County Council; Pat O’Leary, Chairperson Kerry Tourism Industry Federation; Cllr Niall Kelleher, President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce; Bernadette Randles, Chairperson Kerry Branch Irish Hotel Federation; Conor Hennigan, Hennigan Consultants; Patrick O’Donoghue, Owner/Managing Director The Gleneagle Hotel ; Pat Dawson, Regional Manager National Park and Wildlife Services; Catriona Ryan, Principal  Officer, National Parks and Wildlife Services; Padraig Treacy, Owner/Managing Director The Killarney Park and Ross Hotels; and Pat Chawke, Chairperson of Wander Wild Festival, Killarney.

 

Fáilte Ireland Chairperson, Paul Carty stated: “I am very pleased to have this opportunity to meet with so many members of the Kerry tourism industry and hear first-hand how collaboration is the key to building sustainable recovery for the industry in Kerry. Tourism in Kerry, and all across the country, has endured an incredibly difficult two years. As Fáilte Ireland supports the industry towards recovery it is important that we discuss key priorities and challenges together on a local level, to enable us to continue to provide practical supports and guidance to businesses on the ground.”

 

Fáilte Ireland Authority Members in attendance at the meeting include: