The upcoming Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AVEA) annual conference, which will be held at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, County Clare on October 23rd and 24th, will focus on building a sustainable tourism sector. The conference aims to address the industry’s environmental responsibility, social equity, economic health, and cultural vitality.
The conference will be attended by 200 leaders, operators, and employees from Ireland’s tourism attraction and experience sectors.
Speakers include
- Kelly Molson, MD of Rubber Cheese, who will report on changing trends for booking experiences online,
- John Harte from ATS Heritage who will reveal findings from AVEA research on how visitor attractions meet the requirements of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
- Rachel Mackay of Hampton Court Palace, Rich Neville, who led the operations teams for ABBA Voyage and the BBC Earth Experience in London,
- Jenny de Saulles (Director of Sector Development Fáilte Ireland),
- Alice Mansergh (CEO designate of Tourism Ireland),
- Eimear Callaghan (Head of Experience and Industry Development, Tourism NI),
- Eoghan O’Mara Walsh (CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation).
To reduce the carbon impact of the conference, organisers are providing return coach transfers from Dublin for delegates and offering complimentary tours and coffee at various attractions, including Aillwee Burren Experience, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, King John’s Castle, and the International Rugby Experience. Delegates will also visit the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark and Caherconnell Stone Fort for a learning journey.
Catherine Flanagan CEO at AVEA says, “with the expertise of our speakers and with our conference delegates we will work towards building a robust yet sustainable tourism model for our attractions.”
For details on the upcoming AVEA conference see, www.avea.ie
