KILLARNEY has formally unveiled its plan to become Ireland’s leading accessible destination.
Tourism and Sport Junior Minister, Brendan Griffin, launched the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce development strategy at a reception in the Brehon Hotel where Chamber President, Paul O’Neill, outlined how Killarney is trying to create a destination for everyone to enjoy.
“As an industry we have to make sure we give a world class service to all people through the full human life cycle. To do this, we must make sure our facilities, products, services and IT are inclusive to all,” he said.
The gathering heard the idea sparked from chamber member, Paudie Healy, of Universal Access, and the work his organisation was doing internationally. They were selected by the European Network for Accessible Tourism to develop and manage the World Tourism For All international pilot and Universal Access selected Ireland and Killarney to run that pilot.
“When I took over as Chamber President in 2017, I made it one of my main objectives to drive this agenda,” Paul O’Neill stressed.
He thanked and congratulated all the hotels in Killarney that were part of the pilot and Kerry County Council, as a key partner, who play a vital role on the ground in terms committing to developing public services to ensure they are accessible and inclusive to all going forward.
“For this project to be a success it is going to take collaboration between all different tourism service providers in the private sector, local and national government and various stakeholders,” the Chamber chief stated.
He said capital investment, upgrading and modernising of facilities will develop over time but, to begin with, it is about showing a desire, knowledge and an openness to help visitors and their individual needs and that is done through training and awareness.
“We have a huge opportunity for our businesses and the town. We can future proof our assets, open up to a whole new market, extend our shoulder season, retain and have a new avenue to staff talent, increase our bottom line and, the most important thing, be leaders as an inclusive industry.
Kerry Country Council Chief Executive, Moria Murrell, stressed that the local authority is totally committed to developing the county and Killarney to ensure it is inclusive to all.
Managing Director of the Gleneagle Group, Patrick O’Donoghue, told of the huge opportunity he saw for individual businesses but, more importantly, its potential as a collective for Killarney.
He outlined how his group has embedded the World Tourism For All programme through all its properties and outlined the economic return he has seen immediately.
Mr O’Donoghue said he was delighted that his hotels have been the first in the world to achieve the World Tourism for All accreditation at different levels.
CEO of Universal Access and Killarney Chamber member, Paudie Healy, who introduced accessible tourism to Ireland, presented a very comprehensive business case on changing tourism markets in Europe.
“Being able to show and prove inclusive tourism throughout the full business culture is now a major part of destinations and businesses winning world conferences and meetings. Tourism For All is worth at least €1 billion, at a minimum, to the Irish economy if the right strategy and funding supports are put behind it,” he predicted.
Minister Brendan Griffin said the event provided the platform to highlight “the golden opportunity” accessible tourism presents for Killarney, Kerry and the country.
“This will assist the Government, Fáilte Ireland and all tourism stakeholders to formulate a collective, high level strategy and develop policies to promote inclusive growth through increased customer and industry engagement,” he said.
“Accessible tourism will contribute to the sustainable development of the country by providing and developing facilities, products and service inclusive to all. It will encourage regional dispersal and season extension and Killarney is very well-placed to capitalise on this given its location and offering,” Minister Griffin stated.
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