80 tourism businesses gathered from across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands to develop a strong cross-selling culture across the destination.
In what was the first Fáilte Ireland in-person networking event since the pandemic, close to 80 tourism businesses including accommodation, attractions and activity providers, met in Athlone at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday (25 May).
The purpose of the Fáilte Ireland event was for accommodation, attraction and activity providers in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands to learn more about the breadth of experiences that are on offer in the region, as they work side by side to develop a strong cross-selling culture across the destination.
“As we begin to enter the busy summer season it is opportune to bring tourism businesses and local authorities together so they can learn what else is on their doorstep for visitors to enjoy”
A number of ten-minute, one-to-one sessions took place so businesses could showcase their products and explore how they can develop future themed ‘bundle’ or experiences, to build on the experiences Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands offers, positioning it as a compelling holiday destination for Summer 2022 and beyond.
Expertise meets experience
In February, ThinkBusiness reported how Ireland’s tourism authority Fáilte Ireland had conducted a comprehensive brand review of the Ireland’s Ancient East and the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands tourism brands.
With immediate effect, Counties Cavan, Westmeath and Offaly will sit wholly within the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand and will no longer be part of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand.
“As we begin to enter the busy summer season it is opportune to bring tourism businesses and local authorities together so they can learn what else is on their doorstep for visitors to enjoy,” said Paddy Mathews, head of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland.
“We are pleased to be working with so many businesses and local authorities today to build great itineraries and ‘bundle’ the regions tourism offerings to create more reasons for visitors to stay and enjoy the wonderful experiences available right across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.”
At the event were: Dick Ridge, Dick’s Bikes, Siobhan McHugh, Ard Ri House Hotel, Tony Dawson, Fáilte Ireland and Anne Hilty, Clonmoylan Holiday Homes, Galway. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin
