Ireland’s attractions’ visitor numbers are still 42pc behind pre-pandemic levels, delegates were told at the sixth annual conference of the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AVEA) in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon.
Prior to the conference there was a guided Learning Journey to Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark and Caherconnell Stone Fort.
After the tour, a welcome delegate lunch wil be followed by the the first conference session on Monday afternoon, followed by a reception and Gala Dinner.
Delegates at the event, themed “World Class Experiences, Local Authenticity,” heard from tourism leaders Jenny de Saulles (Director of Sector Development Fáilte Ireland), Alice Mansergh (CEO of Tourism Ireland), Eimear Callaghan (Head of Experience and Industry Development, Tourism NI), Eoghan O’Mara Walsh (CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation.)
International speakers include the Head of Hampton Court Palace Rachel Mackay and Rich Neville, who led the operations teams for ABBA Voyage and the BBC Earth Experience in London. Kelly Molson, MD of Rubber Cheese, will report on changing trends for booking experiences online, and John Harte from ATS Heritage will reveal findings from AVEA research on how visitor attractions meet the requirements of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
CEO of AVEA Catherine Flanagan said: “Post-covid is a new landscape for Irish tourism operators, while it has some new and additional challenges, it also lays out fresh ground for new opportunities, new ways to develop and do business and new ways to shine a light on Ireland for the international visitor market
“We were inundated with members of our sector wishing to join our conference, with a waitlist in place; this demonstrates just how much the industry appreciates the ability to come together today and to work together towards building business and developing knowledge and skills for all visitor attractions and experiences.
To reduce the carbon impact of the conference, the organisers are offering a return coach transfer from Dublin. Delegates will also enjoy a complimentary tour and coffee at Aillwee Burren Experience, Doolin Cave, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, King John’s Castle and the International Rugby Experience.
