Tourism businesses in Cork pull together in a new sphere

With sales up 30% at the recent Holiday World Show, an upbeat atmosphere for tourism management is set to develop in Cork. This also is a direct result of a series of innovative local gatherings that took place recently throughout the region for Ring of Cork members and SME businesses in the food, retail and craft sector.

Vibrant networking meetings have taken place to share information, refer business and plan for the future in the Cobh/ Fota area, Youghal, Midleton, Glanmire, Carrigaline/Crosshaven and Ballincollig. “Networking and working together plus knowing that competition is good. This is what will grow our business” were just some of the comments evolving from these proactive gatherings. The culmination will be a Regional Networking Event, for those who attended the local area meetings, planned for the 6th February at the Jameson Experience at the Old Midleton Distillery. Award-winning travel writer, editor, and author, Pól Ó Conghaile will be the keynote speaker at the event.

Ring of Cork Chairman, Ryan Howard noted, “Following our recent AGM, we have taken on board the feedback from members in instigating more networking meetings to help grow business. The response from the local meetings ‘Forum on the Future’ has been amazing, with great attendance and very positive input”. Ryan went on to note. “Unlike most plans that stay on a shelf, our New Strategy for the Ring of Cork will be based on the direct feedback from those who are in a position to implement the necessary action – our members”.

The Regional Tourism Networking Event is taking place at the Jameson Experience at the Old Midleton Distillery, on Friday, 6th February at 4.30 pm. The keynote speaker, Pól Ó Conghaile, is Travel Editor for Independent.ie and regularly contributes on travel to National Geographic Traveller UK, Cara Magazine, and the Irish Independent. He also features widely on national TV and radio, including the RTE Today Show and the Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk. Currently, he is Ireland’s Travel Writer of the Year. Pól will speak specifically about East Cork and Cork Harbour area, but will also broaden it out to include several examples of best practise tourism and trends (from both Ireland and overseas).

Active speed networking and a presentation from the Ring of Cork Chairman, Ryan Howard, will also be on the agenda at the regional event. This will focus on the outcomes of the local area meetings to be included in the new strategy for the Ring of Cork region. Ryan noted. “It is hoped that this process will encourage an ethos of cooperation and referral business between tourism interests, with regular networking meetings between product providers evolving.

This event is being restricted to business participants; registration in advance is essential.