Wicklow County Council in partnership with Wicklow Tourism Alliance, organised a networking and workshop event on Thursday, 8th February at Beyond the Trees, Avondale.
The event was attended by more than 100 participants representing local businesses and organisations representing various sectors of the tourism trade in Wicklow.
The event included updates from Lorraine Gallagher, Director of Services at Wicklow County Council; Fred Verdier, Tourism Officer, Wicklow County Council; Sarah Fitzpatrick, Fáilte Ireland; Vibeke Delahunt, Wicklow Enterprise Office and Alison Keogh from County Wicklow Partnership.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Aoife Flynn-Kennedy, who gave the the opening address, said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity for the tourism trade in Wicklow to meet with one another, share ideas and experiences, and plan for the 2024 season. It was also a great way for the trade to get updates of tourism projects in Wicklow and the East Coast, promotional activities, training, and funding opportunities”.
“Wicklow County Council is delighted to have organised this event”, said Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, who added: “Tourism is one of Wicklow’s main economic drivers and the Council is dedicated to maximising the tourism potential for the county. We take from the workshop valuable feedback and ideas that will help the tourism team at Wicklow County Council plan for future activities.”
After the workshop, a complimentary visit to the Treetop Walk and the newly opened Avondale House was enjoyed by attendees. In just a couple of years, Avondale has become one of Ireland’s top attractions which many local businesses benefiting from the increased visitor numbers to County Wicklow.