The Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism conference has concluded at Knockranny House Hotel with 220 delegates attending.
The event, supported by Mayo County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Tourism NI, drew buyers from Germany, Italy, and Great Britain to meet Irish activity providers. Networking continued into the night with a tourism showcase that featured demonstrations from regional operators and live entertainment. Delegates exchanged contacts and explored potential collaborations amid the growing demand for experience-led holidays.
Delegates participatied in a series of outdoor activities across the morning and afternoon in advance of the conference. Operators from domestic and international locations joined local providers for experiences that showcased Mayo’s offerings in climbing, hiking, and water-based pursuits.
Lunch provided at the venue allowed time for initial discussions on sector developments before the schedule shifted to a B2B marketplace in the evening.
Day one focused on practical engagement. The theme of Imbas, drawn from Irish traditions of drawing knowledge from the natural environment, guided conversations on operational matters. Participants noted the value of the informal setting for building relationships that could lead to new bookings in 2026.
The conference addressed pressures such as rising costs for energy and insurance, alongside shifts in visitor preferences towards sustainable and accessible options. Breakout sessions planned for Thursday covered insurance renewals, inclusive practices, and the application of artificial intelligence in marketing and operations. Sponsors including Newry Mourne and Down District Council and Portwest contributed to the programme through exhibition spaces.
Speakers on day two included Alice Mansergh, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, and Paul Keeley, director of regional development at Fáilte Ireland.
Other contributors comprised Jean Yves Lapeyrere, president of the European Confederation of Outdoor Employers, and Eimear Callaghan, head of experience and industry development at Tourism NI. Local figures such as Joanne Grehan, director of services at Mayo County Council, joined the lineup to discuss regional infrastructure. The sessions were moderated by Pól Ó Conghaile, travel editor of the Irish Independent.
The B2B component aimed to secure contracts worth several thousand euro in the coming year. Evening feedback highlighted the role of adventure activities in complementing accommodation and self-catering sectors, which account for more than 40pc of tourism beds nationwide.
