Kerry Convention Bureau first members update for 2019 was held at J.M Reidy’s with representatives from over 20-member organisations in attendance to hear KCB share it’s plans for the year ahead.

The bureau were joined by Mary Browne from Failte Ireland’s Meet In Ireland team and Danielle Favier from the Wild Atlantic Way team and following an official welcome by KCB Chair, Mike Buckley, the guests were given an update on the exciting plans and industry support programs being put in place by Failte Ireland to grow business tourism in the region. KCB’s Sales Manager, Becky Hargrove then delivered a recap on the success of 2018 and outlined the key Sales and Marketing activities being undertaken by the bureau in the coming months.

“We were delighted to see such a strong turnout at last night’s event and to welcome our key industry partners from Failte Ireland to Kerry. We value the ongoing commitments and supports being given by Failte Ireland to grow business tourism for the region and look forward to continuing to work in partnership with them and our members to increase awareness of Kerry as a world class MICE destination and to develop new products and experiences that will attract international meetings and incentives to Kerry” said Mike Buckley.

“As well as looking forward to 2019 and beyond, the event was also an opportunity for us to thank our members for all their support and hard work in 2018 with events confirmed for Kerry worth over an estimated €4.4 million in direct economic benefit.”

Fáilte Ireland’s Meet in Ireland Manager Ciara Gallagher said: “Business tourism continues to be fundamental in the growth of the wider tourism sector and is currently worth at least €760million to the Irish economy, supporting 22,000 jobs. Last year alone we secured 385 conferences worth €204m for current and future years, with a further €32m for Regional Ireland, including Kerry.

“There is significant potential for future growth in the business tourism space, and Fáilte Ireland is working on growing the sector during the next six years to bring its value to the Irish economy over the €1billion mark. 2019 is off to a strong start and we will be actively seeking out every opportunity to secure more business for Ireland.”