Pictures: Don MacMonagle
The important role played by the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation was clearly outlined at a members’ day at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney where chairperson Pat O’Leary spoke of how the industry has used the organisation platform, since its establishment in 2020, to form solutions to challenges faced by the industry and represent the trade with a collective voice at both a county and national level.
In its four years of operation, the federation has also raised the profile and advocated for tourism industry education and upskilling with its active sustainability sub-committee working with industry partners to achieve a Global Sustainable Destination ranking of 13th in the world.
The federation also continues to lead the collaborative destination marketing for the county through its tourism brand Discover Kerry.
Members are being encouraged to support the development of www.discoverkerry.com which is a partnership project of the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Kerry SciTech and Kerry County Council.
Mr O’Leary is encouraging the business and tourism communities around Kerry to engage further with the organisation member organisation most relevant for them from a list that includes the Reeks District, Skellig Coast Tourism Group Network, Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance, Listowel Business and Community Alliance and Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce.
Also included are Tralee Chamber Alliance, B&B Ireland, Irish Hotels’ Federation Kerry branch, Vintners Federation of Ireland, Caherciveen Alliance, Kerry Convention Bureau, Restaurants Association of Ireland, Irish Caravan and Camping Council, Kenmare Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Ballybunion Development Company Waterville Enterprise and Marketing Network, Hidden Valley of the Reeks and Ballyheigue Tourism.
Mr O’Leary also welcomed the Fáilte Ireland team to the meeting and Jill deAzevedo presented visitor survey findings for Kerry which was very positive and gave much encouragement as well as points for discussion for the members.
“We are encouraged by the support of the many local business and community alliances, regional tourism networks and representative agencies who make up the Kerry Tourism Industry Federation membership,” Mr O’Leary remarked.
“Together, we will continue to advocate for the tourism industry at local and national government levels, provide the platform and forum for the development of sustainability policies and initiatives for the tourism sector, support industry education and upskilling and collaborative destination marketing for Kerry,” he added.
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