Last weekend, Kerry Convention Bureau (KCB) showcased Kerry as a globally recognised sustainable business events destination where inspiration, innovation and excellence converge with the warmest welcome, to ten influential Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) event planners, hailing from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Poland.

Shining a spotlight on the ease of European access to Kerry through both Kerry and Cork Airports, this immersive programme provided the opportunity for the invited event planners to come and experience a taster of what Kerry has to offer for business events over a two- day, two-night educational programme and connect them with local business event suppliers. 

With an action-packed itinerary featuring established Kerry business events infrastructure of four- & five-star hotels, leading venues and signature activities, the weekend commenced with a welcome dinner and traditional entertainment at Muckross Traditional Farms with representatives from Fáilte Ireland and Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, followed by night cap at Cahernane House Hotel.

Programme highlights included breakfast banquet at Great Southern Killarney, educational Taste and Tour of Killarney’s Urban Farm and The Tan Yard, jaunting car ride through the National Park followed by boat trip to Lord Brandons cottage and five star picnic courtesy of Muckross Park Hotel, golf experience at Ring of Kerry Golf Course and fine dining evening with storytellers nightcap at Sheen Falls Lodge, show rounds of JM Reidys, The Europe Hotel and Killarney Convention Centre and finale lunch at The Brehon.

A fun and educational tour of Killarney’s newest Visitor Attraction, Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company was held on Sunday morning, with KCB members invited to join, both to experience the venue for themselves including a show round of its newly opened gala dinner event space and to enjoy an informal networking opportunity with the programme attendees.

With its combination of immersive experiences and industry networking, the group were left with an unforgettable impression of a region with compact destinations that deliver first-class authentic MICE events which combine iconic landscapes and culture with expertise, knowledge, and warm hospitality to seamlessly deliver extraordinary and memorable events for attendees.

Becky Hargrove, Manager of KCB said, “We were delighted to collaborate with our members to bring this group of influential event planners to Kerry and give them a truly memorable overview of why Kerry should be firmly on their business events destination radar.”

“Kerry is a spectacular place to inspire, engage, reward, and motivate business event attendees. Whether it’s a high-end incentive programme, or an association or corporate meeting, we offer unrivalled facilities in idyllic locations throughout the county, ideal for every type of business event” Becky added “As demonstrated in this destination showcase, we are supported by dedicated and passionate industry partners who work together as #TeamKerry to deliver extraordinary events which will be talked about for years to come”

To underpin Kerry’s ranking of #19 on the Global Destination Sustainability Index, the itinerary incorporated important elements around Sustainability at every touch point, along with working with The Killarney Park to give a talk on the Killarney Coffee Cups project and incorporate a hands-on social impact activity, where the group connected with Killarney Tidy Towns to assist in a painting project.

Each of the Kerry suppliers featured were also asked to highlight activities and endeavours within their business, which demonstrated their focus, commitment, and capability to assist event planners hold green events.

“As a county, Kerry is future focused and leading the way in sustainable tourism. As a bureau, we are committed to working with our membership and wider Kerry industry partners to grow and strengthen Kerry’s reputation as a leading destination for sustainability, community, social entrepreneurship, and responsible tourism,” said Becky. “We were especially thrilled to include the activity with Killarney Tidy Towns, as it provided the opportunity for our attendees to engage in a meaningful activity effecting a positive change and leaving a lasting legacy for the community.”