Fáilte Ireland has held a networking event for Kerry student Tour Guides in Killarney House & Gardens as part of the National Tourism Development Authority’s commitment to encourage and promote careers in the tourism industry. The networking event was attended by industry stakeholders, education providers and student tour guides currently studying at Kerry Education & Training Board providers with presentations including an overview of the industry and discussions on the career and employment options available.
Paul Hayden Head of Tourism Careers at Fáilte Ireland said:
“Tour Guides are a vital component in delivering brilliant visitor experiences for tourists and as the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland is delighted to host this event. The series of networking events are being held as part of our commitment to encourage and promote careers in tourism. The event is intended to bring together key industry stakeholders, education providers and current tour guide students, studying the National Tour Guide programme and the Regional Tour Guide programme to provide an understanding of the industry and the career and employment options available.”
Larry Coady from Vagabonds Tour said:
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to help the students participating today gain insight into some of the practical aspects of guiding and self-management. I hope they will continue to build on the skills and knowledge that their course is delivering now and throughout their careers.”
Alison Groves from the Incoming Tour Operators Association and also with Irish Welcome Tours / Hotels & More said:
“The tourism industry background was brought to life through entertaining and informative presentations from key stakeholders with ample time for questions & teasing out job opportunities.”
Presentations at the event include:
• An overview of Fáilte Ireland and its experiences brands (WAW, IAE, IHH and Dublin)
• An understanding about the Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA) presented by Alison Groves and Conor Wall
• An introduction to Approved Tour Guide Ireland (ATGI) by Ela Sooder
• What the future has in store for visitor experiences presented by Denise Brophy, Managing Director of Dublina and Board member of the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AVEA).
• A presentation on the importance of the tour guide to visitors by Larry Coady of Vagabond Tours of Ireland
• An overview of Failte Ireland’s Tourist Information Centres by Veronica O’Connor
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