The conference will take place on September 18th.
New Late Late Show host Patrick Kielty will be among speakers at a tourism conference in the midlands.
The conference, in Athlone on Monday September 18th, will also feature former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, UN Special Advisor Anita Mendiratta and Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin.
The event entitled “Tourism: Big Impact, Small Footprint” will take place in the Radisson Blu Hotel.
It is organised by the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC).
The midlands is set for €68 million investment in tourism infrastructure by 2026.
The conference was launched this morning and during the launch the ITIC unveiled a report, which presents a shortage of 11,500 hotel rooms in Ireland to adequately address the anticipated demand within the upcoming decade.
Conducted by economist Jim Power, the report underscores the absence of a hotel development pipeline in various regions.
The Midlands stands out as the area facing the most severe deficiency, with just 5% of the total national hotel room capacity.
Elaina Fitzgerald-Kane, Chair of ITIC, warned that the EU Just Transition tourism funding of €68 million for the region would be seriously undermined:
“if there’s not a complimentary uplift in tourism accommodation” saying “The Midlands will remain a transit zone rather than a touring zone to the severe detriment of local economies throughout the region. We are delighted to being our annual conference to Athlone to highlight these topics and hope many of the local hospitality business in the region will join us”.
The conference is sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, AIB and Westmeath County Council and Mayor of Athlone, Councillor Louise Heavin said:
“I am delighted to welcome the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation conference to Athlone and showcase this vibrant, central destination to delegates. A thriving tourism industry is essential to growing our potential as a key hub for visitors exploring Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and beyond. The Municipal District here in Athlone and Westmeath County Council are glad to support this vital event."
Tickets to the conference cost €125 + Vat.
The host will be Dearbhail McDonald and opened by Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, Chair of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation.
Economist Jim Power, Failte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly, Sean O’Driscoll of iNua hotel group, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Geraldine Enright, and interim CEO of Tourism Ireland Siobhan McManamy will be speaking at the event.
A Special Recognition Award will be presented to a tourism hero.
Patrick Kielty will speak about tourism as a force for good and Bertie Ahern will be in conversation with Dearbhail McDonald about 25 years since the Good Friday Agreement and how tourism was chosen at the time as an all-island sector.
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