Prestigious adventure tourism conference to be staged in Mayo

A host of domestic and international experts are set to join this year’s adventure tourism conference, with a line-up that will include Alice Mansergh (CEO of Tourism Ireland), Eoghan O’Mara Walsh (CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation) and Jean-Yves Lapeyrère (President of the European Confederation for Outdoor Employers), as well as some of Ireland’s leading outdoor activity operators, who will be sharing their insights on innovations and trends within adventure tourism.

Taking place in Westport on November 26 and 27, the conference will feature local adventure activities showcasing outdoor activity tourism in Mayo, a B2B session with the opportunity to meet international and national buyers, a local Mayo tourism and hospitality showcase, practical breakout workshops, and then a series of expert panels and presentations.

Councillor John O’Hara, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said "We are delighted to have Minister Alan Dillon launch the IAAT conference and excited that Mayo will welcome the 2025 adventure tourism conference to the county.

"Adventure tourism in general and this conference specifically are making a valuable contribution to our local economy”.

Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council added: “We look forward to extending a warm welcome to adventure enthusiasts, industry leaders, tour operators, activity providers and agents and hope their experience of Mayo will bring them back again and again.

"With an abundance of natural amenities from our stunning coastal spaces, exceptional greenways, a myriad of tracks and trails through lush green landscapes for walking, hiking, cycling and horse-riding, Mayo offers a world class array of experiences, positioning the county as the true capital of adventure tourism”.

IAAT Chief Executive Brendan Kenny expressed his excitement about this conference, saying: “It’s a real thrill to bring our annual conference to this magical corner of the world, boasting such a wealth of outdoor adventure options.

"We are grateful to Mayo County Council for supporting this important annual event at such a vital time in the recovery of tourism. We look forward to two days of insights, inspiration and getting the adrenaline going through some of the exciting activities available.”

PHOTO: Launching the annual IAAT Adventure Tourism Conference at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh, Co. Mayo (left to right): Kieran O’Reilly (Outdoor Recreation Officer, Co. Mayo); Charlie Kelly (Westport Bikes); Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Alan Dillon; Colin Wolfe (Chair, IAAT); Catherine Maguire (SummerSup.ie); Michael Lennon (Owner, Go Trekking and Co-Chair of the Clew Bay Tourism Network); Councillor John O'Hara (Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council); Joanne Grehan (Director of Services, Mayo County Council); Maura Murphy (Tourism Officer, Mayo County Council); Brendan Kenny (CEO, IAAT). Photo: Conor McKeown