Tourism: Thomond Park conference shines a light on industry space

LIMERICK played host to 140 tourism industry professionals from around Ireland for the first national tourism conference of the year.   

Delegates from 18 counties attended The Tourism Space LIVE in Thomond Park. The speaker line-up included experts from Sligo, Kerry, Wexford, Dublin, Galway, Clare, Belfast and Limerick.

The Tourism Space LIVE is the first event of its kind in Ireland and is described as a professional development and self-empowerment event for tourism practitioners.  

Event organiser Tina O’Dwyer, Director of the Tourism Space explained why Limerick was chosen to host the event.

“There were a number of reasons why Limerick was chosen as the location for this national event.  Firstly, it is one of the most accessible locations in Ireland with great road access from almost all parts of Ireland.

“Secondly, Thomond Park itself is an iconic venue and the values it represents, such as pride, passion, ambition and achievement, are all values that resonated with our vision for the event” said Mrs O’Dwyer.

“We wanted a programme that would motivate and inspire those who work at the frontline of tourism, right at the very start of the year. So much of what’s happening in Limerick resonates with our event theme ‘Massive Vision Massive Action’,” she added.

Tina was optimistic with Limericks tourism strateies heading into the future, partically with Limericks additon to the Wild Atlantic Way.

“Limerick is now part of the Wild Atlantic Way, an ambitious tourism strategy for Limerick will be launched shortly, many tourist attractions in Limerick are gaining national and international interest and a high-level branding exercise is also underway,” Mrs O’Dwyer said.

“There’s a lot of positive momentum in Limerick right now and it’s being fuelled by a city and county that has a bold vision for itself and is taking action to achieve it,” she she added.

The event offered delegates the opportunity to invest in their personal and professional development within the tourism industry.