On Thursday November 7th the fourth Waterford Rural Tourism Network event took place in The Majestic Hotel in Tramore, Co. Waterford.
Funded and supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme is delivered by Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions.
The Waterford Rural Tourism Network is made up of five cluster areas (Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary) with each area being represented on the day. The aim of the network is to build the capabilities of their individual business as well as enhance the overall tourism offering in Waterford.
Over 70 participants from the tourism sector, including visitor attractions, hospitality, and culture & heritage amenities, were in attendance and the event comprised of informative panel discussions and valuable insights into the mission of connecting, inspiring and shining a light on rural Waterford.
Award winning Travel Journalist Ed Finn hosted an insightful panel discussion themed “Local Heroes: Waterford – Doing it for ourselves”. Ed, in conversation with panellists Ray Sinnott from Mount Congreve, Marie Power - The Sea Gardener and Tina Darrer of Dooley’s Hotel, commented, "I was not aware of the array of experiences and landscapes that Waterford had to offer and the pride and passion which providers spoke about their businesses and their community had a real impact on me.
"Being in Tramore brought happy memories of family holidays to mind and all I’ve heard about Waterford has left me wanting to return to discover even more of rural Waterford.”
Prior to the event, Ed interviewed a tourism provider from each of the cluster areas, Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary. These interviews can be heard on The Sunday Show with Ed Finn on Sunshine 106.8 radio on the 17th and 24th November.
Attendees also heard from Co-ordinator of the Network, Julie O’Brien of Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, who hosted further panel discussions exploring themes such as “The Vision for Rural Waterford” and “Sharing the story of people and place through tourism across Ireland”. Following the event, Julie said, “This has been an overwhelmingly positive event for me and everyone who attended, hearing from the guest speakers from across Ireland who have all built authentic and sustainable tourism businesses in the ‘heart of nowhere’ has been truly inspiring.”
Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City & County Council added, "Local and national speakers all highlighted the importance of collaboration for success which is what the Waterford Rural Tourism Network is all about. We were delighted to have so many enthusiastic tourism businesses in the room who have been working with us for the past year and more, to get to know each other, build capabilities and combine their efforts to sustainably develop tourism in rural Waterford.”
Mary Houlihan, Manager Ireland’s Ancient East spoke passionately about Waterford and highlighted how “tourism has the potential to build and sustain rural communities in the County.
"The variety of stunning landscapes and rich heritage gives Waterford a real opportunity to become an area that is known for the outdoors with an array of experiences available to suit different visitors.”
Waterford City and County Council would like to thank everyone who attended on the day, and looks forward to continuing the development of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and other key stakeholders, including Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, Visit Waterford, Waterford Leader Partnership, and Waterford LEO.
If you would like to find out more about the Waterford Rural Tourism Network or join one of the five Clusters in Waterford, please email julie@runda.ie.
This project is funded by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland.
