Mayo showcased as leader in adventure tourism at conference
MAYO was showcased as a leader in adventure tourism at the annual conference of Ireland's Association for Adventure Tourism (IAAT), held in Westport, which saw over 250 delegates from across Europe in attendance over the three days.
This leading tourism event featured a B2B marketplace with international and Irish buyers, an exhibition of Mayo tourism businesses with interactive displays and live entertainment, expert breakout sessions for attendees, a welcome event in Matt Molloy's and a full day of plenary sessions.
Delegates were also treated to an eclectic mix of local adventure activity experiences, including horse riding, a Westport wolfhound experience, stand-up paddleboarding, a cycle on the greenway, a pilgrim walk and a Clew Bay island adventure.
Always a high-energy and positive event, the conference was able to welcome an exceptional calibre of speakers, including Minister Alan Dillon (Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment), Alice Mansergh (CEO, Tourism Ireland), Paul Keeley (director of regional development, Fáilte Ireland), Eoghan O'Mara Walsh (CEO, Irish Tourism Industry Confederation), Saki Daorana (Ultima Thule in Greenland), Garron Noone (musician and content creator), Geraldine Lavelle (author, speaker, advocate, survivor), Maura Kiely (CEO, Leave No Trace Ireland), Donal Healy (director of marketing and route development at Ireland West Airport), and Pól O Conghaile (travel editor, Irish Independent).
Joanne Grehan, director of services at Mayo County Council, commented: "Mayo County Council is absolutely delighted to have partnered on hosting this year’s IAAT conference here in Mayo. The event was an outstanding success and a powerful reflection of the innovation, ambition, and resilience within Ireland’s adventure tourism sector.
“Mayo’s landscapes, communities and businesses play a central role in shaping memorable visitor experiences, and it was a privilege to welcome industry leaders to engage, collaborate and share ideas on the future of sustainable tourism. We are proud to support this momentum and to showcase Mayo as a destination that continues to inspire and deliver exceptional adventure tourism experiences.”
Brendan Kenny, CEO at IAAT, added: "This year's conference in Mayo was our biggest to date, with 250 delegates coming to Westport and the surrounding area. I want to sincerely thank Mayo County Council for their partnership. I would also like to thank the people of Westport for their very warm welcome, and all the individuals and organisations involved in making this year's event such an outstanding success.
“We now look forward to continuing the conversation with Mayo County Council and key stakeholders as we seek to ensure that Mayo reinforces its position as a leader in adventure tourism, and indeed that Ireland's international reputation in this area continues to grow."
The conference was delivered by IAAT in partnership with Mayo County Council, and in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Portwest.