Clare tourism operators unite to address sector challenges

An upcoming tourism networking event in County Clare will discuss the urgent need for increased collaboration and the development of new initiatives to bolster the local sector in light of the unprecedented challenge posed by the reduced accommodation supply in the county.

Tourism interests from across Clare will gather at The Inn At Dromoland on March 6 for the annual ‘Tourism Together’ Networking Event 2024, which features a keynote address by travel writer and Irish Independent Travel Editor Pól Ó Conghaile.

With a third of (tourism) beds in Clare currently contracted to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum and Visit Clare are issuing a rallying call to the wider sector to attend the event and share their ideas on how Clare can position itself to meet current challenges and attract new business.

“This event is as much about reimagining our approach to tourism development in the county as it is about identifying current challenges faced by our sector,” explained Sean Lally, Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum.

“County Clare’s tourism operators are resilient and have a lengthy track record of adopting a collaborative approach to the development of the local sector. Proactive thinking and the implementation of new initiatives are required now more than ever as we seek to overcome reduced available accommodation by enhancing County Clare’s appeal to the growing domestic visitor market,” he added.

Leonard Cleary, Director of Tourism Development for Clare County Council, commented: “Investment in Clare’s existing tourism infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration are key to addressing current challenges. 2023 saw the transfer of the management of some of Clare’s best known visitor attractions to Clare County Council and the commencement of a comprehensive capital investment programme in key tourist sites across the county. Close collaboration with smaller tourism operators to ensure these investments deliver for the wider sector and local communities is a priority for the Local Authority.”

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“The upcoming networking evening presents Clare tourism operators with a valuable opportunity to explore how Clare can improve its share of the domestic market, embrace the benefits of a truly sustainable approach to tourism, and capitalise on the growing wellness tourism sector as set out in the County Clare Tourism Strategy 2030,” added Mr Cleary.

The ‘Tourism Together’ Networking Event takes place at a time of considerable change within international tourism which is experiencing an increased focus on sustainable tourism development.

Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism with Clare County Council, commented: “Irish tourism is facing challenges that are having an impact on the sector, many of which are beyond our control, but local operators are steadfast in their resolve to innovate and identify new opportunities to develop our overall offering. The forthcoming networking event, which will be facilitated throughout the evening, is aimed at harnessing this collaborative approach to establish a fresh approach to the development and marketing of County Clare’s diverse and quality tourism product.”

Towards the later stage of the evening, Irish Independent Travel Writer Pól Ó Conghaile will moderate a local experts panel and discussion. All attendees will also be provided with detail of the Strategic Marketing Plan and Collateral for promoting the County of Clare for 2024. 

To register and for further information on the ‘Tourism Together’ Networking Event 2024, which commences at 5pm on Wednesday, March 6, at The Inn At Dromoland, Newmarket-On-Fergus register here by 5pm this Friday.