Highlights from 2016
Friday 10th November
Day Forum
The Brehon, Killarney
Start time: 9am
Finish time: 5.30pm
Opening address
- Margaret Cahill, Chairperson of ‘Let’s talk tourism – National Tourism Forum’ Organising Committee
The importance of tourism to Ireland
- Mark Henry, Central Marketing Director of Tourism Ireland
Tourism for a nation – A nation for tourism
- Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland
Regionality and Seasonality
- Fiona Monaghan, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland
Regionality and Seasonality Panel Discussion
- John Brennan, Managing Director at Park Hotel Kenmare and Dromquinna Manor
- Sean Doran / Liam Browne, Co-directors of DoranBrowne – specialists in arts and literary tourism
- John Edwards, Owner of Wild Waters Adventures
- Helena Healy, CEO of B&B Ireland
- Con Quill, CEO of the Irish Caravan and Camping Council
Planning for tourism – How do you create a number one visitor attraction?
- Paul Carty, Managing Director of Guinness Storehouse
Skills and Manpower
- Paul O’Toole, CEO of SOLAS
Skills and Manpower Panel Discussion
- Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland
- Bernadette Enright, Centre Manager of Hospitality Education and Training Centre
- Cáit Noone, Vice President for International Engagement and Head of the Galway International Hotel School at GMIT
- Michael Vaughan, Owner of Vaughan Lodge Hotel
Eoghan Corry (Travel Industry Commentator, author and broadcaster) in conversation with Olivia O’Leary
Food Tourism
- Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel Writer & Editor
Air Access
- Peter Bellew, Former CEO of Malaysia Airlines and incoming Chief Operations Officer of Ryanair
- Matthew Thomas, CEO of Shannon Group
- Tom Haughey, Former Executive Director of the DAA and a former Chairman of ITIC
Digital Trends and Screen Tourism
- Nick Hall, Founder of Digital Tourism Think Tank
Closing Panel Discussion
- Tim Fenn, Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation
- Brendan Griffin T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with special responsibility for Tourism and Sport
- David McCarthy, Head of Hospitality & Tourism at AIB
- John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland
- Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council
- Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, Chief Executive of the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation
Ticket Price: €175.00
Friday Evening
Business Networking Dinner
The Malton, Killarney
- Bus departing The Brehon, Killarney at 7.30pm
- 3 course meal with wine
- Skål President’s award for national contribution to tourism
- After-dinner speaker, Pól Ó Conghaile
- After-dinner entertainment
- Semi-formal / Cocktail attire
Ticket Price: €65.00
Saturday 11th November
Skellig Coast and Valentia Island Day Trip
See tourism in action and enjoy a guided tour departing from Killarney incorporating:
- Travelling the Skellig Ring through Ballinskelligs, past St. Finian’s Bay to the Kerry Cliffs
- A visit to the Skellig Experience Centre
- Lunch at The Moorings in Portmagee
- Onward travel to Knightstown via Fogher Cliffs, Geokaun viewing point and The Lighthouse
- A guided Valentia Harbour tour, incorporating Beginish Island, on an amphibious tour boat
- The tour will depart from Killarney at 9am and will return by 5.30pm.
Ticket Price: €85.00