Hospitality Ireland presents a round-up of Fáilte Ireland news.
Killarney To Host DER Touristik Academy In 2022
In a statement published on its website, Fáilte Ireland said, "Germany's largest tour operator, DERTOUR, bound for Ireland in 2022.
"Killarney has been successful in its bid to host the prestigious German DER Touristik Academy in the INEC, between 3-6 April, 2022. The Academy is an educational and incentive event run by one of the largest tour operators in Mainland Europe and will be attended by 200 travel agents and influential travel journalists next year. This is the first overseas event by DER Touristik, Germany, since COVID-19 and is being supported by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Limerick Travel.
"The team from DER Touristik are in Killarney today (Tuesday 16th November) to meet with Irish tourism providers in both accommodation, activities and attractions to learn more of how they can become part of this event with the German operator in 2022.
"While the DERTOUR gathering is taking place in Killarney next year, the 200 attendees will participate in pre academy tours across Ireland, organised by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Limerick Travel. The tours present a valuable opportunity for the Irish tourism industry to sell itself to the German market and allows Fáilte Ireland to showcase the best that Ireland has to offer throughout the country.
"Paul Keeley, Fáilte Ireland's Director of Regional Development, believes events like these can provide a valuable opportunity to showcase all that Ireland has to offer to one of Ireland's most important mainland European markets.
Mr Keeley commented, 'We are delighted to welcome DER Touristik to Killarney today ahead of hosting this important event next April. For Irish tourism to recover and grow in the long term it is imperative that there is a strong message that Ireland offers a high-quality experience, diverse tourism experiences and a wide selection of safe accommodation choices. By winning the opportunity to host these influential agents and journalists next April we can continue to drive long term demand for Ireland and ensure that they can confidently encourage their customers to choose Ireland as a holiday destination when they return to Germany.'
"Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland's Manager Germany, said, 'It is a tremendous honour for Killarney to have won this prestigious event in the face of competition from other destinations. Tourism Ireland is delighted to have played its part in securing this event, which confirms Killarney and Ireland as a world-class destination. Germany is our third-largest source of visitors and in 2019 we welcomed 749,000 German visitors to the island of Ireland. This travel academy presents a superb opportunity to show these influential travel agents what's on offer here and will help increase German visitor numbers, as we restart overseas tourism in 2022 to Ireland.'
"Kevin Keogh, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing for Der Touristik, said, 'As the market leader for tourism from Germany to the island of Ireland for over 50 years, DER Touristik is delighted to bring its 200 top travel agents to Ireland for our 2022 Academy and to encourage them the discover the destination.'
"Peter Brazil, Director, Limerick Travel, commented, 'We are delighted to bring Germany's top tour operator Dertouristik to Killarney for Reise academy 2022! It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase our wonderful island to over 200 leading German agents and press. From previous experience academies have dramatically increased German visitors to Ireland in subsequent years.'"
Fáilte Ireland Launches Long-Term Tourism Plan For Clew Bay
Fáilte Ireland has launched a long-term tourism plan for Clew Bay.
Fáilte Ireland stated, "Fáilte Ireland has today launched a new plan that will help drive and sustain tourism in Clew Bay, Co. Mayo. Entitled the 'Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan', the plan aims to create a sustainable tourism destination by extending the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the region over the next five years.
"Key stakeholders in the area and the local community were consulted and inputted into the plan including Mayo County Council, the Office of Public Works, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Westport Chamber of Commerce and local tourism marketing groups as well as many local tourism operators and networks.
"The focus of the plan builds on a number of destination development projects that will bring local experiences to life including the restoration of the house and gardens at Westport Estate, the enhancement of the visitor experience at Croagh Patrick and a number of trails to encourage visitors to explore the region including the Clew Bay Bike Trail.
"Speaking about the plan, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said, 'This Destination and Experience Development Plan, which captures the unique themes central to Clew Bay, is about looking to the future of tourism in the region and will be hugely important as we work towards recovery. It provides a framework for tourism businesses and stakeholders to work in partnership over the next five years to create new and improved existing visitor experiences. Local consultation and input was central and this collaborative approach provided local stakeholders with the opportunity to contribute and shape the plan.'
"Commenting on the plan, Kevin Kelly, CEO of Mayo County Council, said, 'With a unique combination of islands from Achill Island to Inishturk and a backdrop of mountains including the iconic Croagh Patrick, Clew Bay has attracted visitors and pilgrims for centuries. We are delighted to work with Fáilte Ireland and the Clew Bay Tourism Network who will now take on the role of steering the implementation of this new long-term plan, which will help increase dwell time and revenue without compromising the environment or culture of the region.'
Michael Lennon, General Manager of Westport Woods Hotel and Chris McCarty, Manager of Achill Tourism, Co-Chairs of the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan, said, 'Building on the success of the Wild Atlantic Way, this plan will provide local tourism businesses with the tools to develop new experiences and enhance existing ones, while encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more within the region.'
"For more information on the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan, visit www.failteireland.ie."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
