Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism annual conference in Kerry has taken place in Killarney, bringing together domestic and international experts who shared their insights on innovations and trends within adventure tourism.
People, Process and Place was the theme of the conference. Eoghan O’Mara Walsh told delegates “the market is a little nervous and flat this year, but there’s room for hope with ‘bringing the tourism family together, come up with constructive solutions.” Alice Mansergh of Tourism Ireland talked about modern visitors to Ireland seeking the “whole experience.”
Mary Cawley presented an SEMRU publication on coastal tourism. Pat O’Leary from Kerry Tourism Industry Federation talked about collaboration and focus on sustainability in Kerry and Ciaran Connolly (Founder, ProfileTree) spoke about practical AI for adventure tourism. Keynote was from Dermot Whelan, meditation expert.
Speakers included With Alice Mansergh (Tourism Ireland), Eimear Callaghan (Tourism Northern Ireland), Miriam Kennedy (Wild Atlantic Way-Fáilte Ireland), Colin Wolfe (Ireland Wild Escapes), Chris Scott (Coordinator & Development Advisor, Blueways Partnership), Brian Hanley (CEO, Alliance for Insurance Reform), Barry Flanagan (Erne Water Taxis), Clare Wheatley (Real Adventures Connemara), Jamie Flannery (Dingle Sea Safari) and Eoghan McCarthy (Ballyhass Adventure Centre).
