Come along to connect and collaborate with other businesses in your area while enjoying a coffee and lunch. Hear positive stories from other parts of Ireland where networking is central to the success of their destination and learn how your business can benefit from collaborating and the supports that can be provided by key partners.
Over the past two years tourism clusters have been established in the following five areas of Waterford; Blackwater Valley, Waterford Estuary, An Gaeltacht, Copper Coast, and Comeragh Uplands.
Helen Kavanagh from Dunhill Multi Education Centre says, “This event will bring existing cluster members together and new businesses are also very welcome to come along on the day. We want you to meet people like you, working in the same industry, facing similar challenges and rewards on a daily basis. The event will be informal and we really encourage people to come along and benefit from the collective knowledge and skills in the region, and you might find someone or something that can benefit your business.”
The potential of Waterford as a sustainable tourism destination can only be realised through collaboration. Dunhill Multi Education Centre, Fáilte Ireland, Waterford City and County Council, and Waterford LEADER Partnership will continue to work with businesses to support and develop the Rural Tourism Network.
Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council, says, “Waterford has unique rural and coastal locations that provide a variety of landscapes for distinctive experiences and activities. With rural businesses working together, slow exploration of this beautiful County can be encouraged to improve the visitor experience while allowing rural businesses and communities to flourish.”
Mary Houlihan, Manager Ireland’s Ancient East added, “Fáilte Ireland recognises the potential Waterford has to develop as an outdoor activity destination through the quality of its outdoor trails, greenways and water based experiences and has committed to supporting tourism clusters working together to deliver great visitor experiences.”
Businesses who attend will be able to showcase their offering, network with other businesses, hear success stories from the Boyne Valley and get updates on tourism development plans from Fáilte Ireland and Waterford City and County Council. Visit Waterford and LEO Waterford will also be there on the day to provide updates and answer any questions.
The event takes place in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan on November 22nd from 10.30am with lunch at 1.45pm.
To register or if you would like more information please contact Aisling Warner on 051 396934 or email networks@dunhilleducation.com.
This project is funded by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland.
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A large attendance at the Rural Tourism Networking event that was held earlier this year.