Tourism and hospitality businesses come together to enhance tourism offering in Waterford

Over 100 tourism and hospitality businesses from across Waterford came together this week to discover, connect and collaborate to enhance tourism in Waterford. 

The Waterford Rural Tourism Network is made up of five cluster areas; Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary.

The aim of the network is to build the capabilities of their individual business as well as enhance the overall tourism offering in Waterford.

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Participants from the tourism sector, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, hospitality, and culture & heritage amenities, were in attendance at the event at Gardenmorris Estate, Kill.

They enjoyed insightful panel discussions, a lively networking session and delicious food created by Ni Bhrian Restaurant.

All these elements were conducive to helping achieve the mission of the day, which was to discover rural Waterford and connect business from across the city and county.

WLRfm Journalist and Broadcaster Dymphna Nugent hosted a valuable panel discussion themed ‘Rural Waterford Unwrapped’.  The panel consisted of Joan Clancy of Joan Clancy Art Gallery, Caroline Fletcher O’Connor of Ballyin House, Claire O'Sullivan of Crough Lodge Wellness Retreat/The Mystic Holistic, Elaine Power of East Pier Fish & Chips, and Niall Waters from Surf SUP Tramore.

Afterwards, Dymphna commented: “It’s a pleasure to get to know more of what rural Waterford has to offer, and I know how I will be spending my summer, going from one attraction to the next and really getting to know what’s on our own front door.”

Attendees also heard from Julie O’Brien, Co-ordinator of the Network, of Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, who hosted further panel discussions exploring themes such as ‘Championing Each Other’ and ‘Collaborating to Champion Rural Waterford and County Waterford’.

Julie also interviewed Rob Rankin, Owner of Vagabond Tours & Sustainable Tourism Network, who shared his insights on how Waterford can achieve its goal of becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination in Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Michael Quinn, Director of Economic Development with Waterford City and County Council said: “To create a world class destination requires a collaborative approach. Waterford Council’s delivery of infrastructure and amenities to bolster Waterford’s tourism offering is complemented by the commitment and vision of our local tourism and service providers.  In working together, we can realise the county’s full tourism potential.”

Orna Holohan, Tourism Officer with Waterford City and County Council, added: “We have something very special here in Waterford… scenery, heritage, attractions, natural beauty and great food, however it is the people that visitors meet when they come to Waterford, that brings Waterford to life and creates a memorable experience.”

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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.’ She stressed the importance of all stakeholders, industry and communities working together to make Waterford a compelling tourist destination for domestic and international visitors, saying, “Waterford’s 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.”

The event, which took place last Thursday, is part of the Waterford Rural Tourism Network development programme, funded and supported by Waterford City and County Council and Fáilte Ireland, and delivered by Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions, with support from key stakeholders Visit Waterford, Waterford Leader Partnership, and Waterford LEO.