The Clare Tourist Council - in conjunction with Clare County Council - has organised the 19th National Tourism Conference for tourism industry officials and members of Local Authorities, County Enterprise Boards, partnerships, and all public and private bodies involved in the promotion of tourism.

Delegates from all over the island of Ireland are scheduled to attend the event, including representatives of leading tourism promotional agencies such as Fáilte Ireland, the Irish Hotels Federation, Shannon Development, Shannon Heritage and the Clare Tourism Forum.

The 19th National Tourism Conference, entitled 'Tourism for Changing Lifestyles' takes place on 23rd/24th November at the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon.

According to Cllr. Flan Garvey, Conference Chairperson and Cathaoirleach of the Clare Tourist Council, "Mr. O'Leary's eagerly anticipated keynote speech comes at a time when the West of Ireland faces losing its strategically important link with Heathrow, as a result of Aer Lingus recent decision to remove the service from Shannon. The Ryanair Chief Executive's decision to address the event shows that he is concerned about the move and the importance of maintaining permanent and quality connectivity with international hubs."

"During his talk, entitled 'Options and Opportunities for Changing Lifestyle', Mr. O’Leary will refer to Ryanair's commitment to developing further business at Shannon. His speech also coincides with the launch of the airline’s new daily Shannon to Dublin service", added the Cathaoirleach.

Among those addressing the upcoming Conference will be Ms. Mary Owens, Fáilte Ireland’s Manager of Education Policy, who will discuss the role played by education and training in supporting the future development of Irish tourism.

Other speakers include Joe Horan, County Manager, South Dublin County Council (Business Tourism – The Role of the Local Authority); Marie Slattery, Sales and Marketing Manager, Shannon Heritage (The Challenge of Change); Iain Frazer, Acting Chief Executive, Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council (Tourism – A Natural Resource); Michael Vaughan, Irish Hotel's Federation and Vaughan's Lodge (Lifestyle Matchmaking – Finding the Perfect Fit); and Mayor Alderman David Hilditch MLA, Carrickfergus Borough Council (Carrickfergus – Conversion of Industrial Docks to Leisure and Tourism).

The Conference sessions will be chaired by Alderman PJ McAvoy of Ballymena Borough Council, Alderman Frank Campbell of Ballymoney Borough Council; and Cllr. Michael McCarey of Cavan County Council.

According to Kathleen Cahill, Conference Secretary, "Along with our co-organisers Clare County Council, we have witnessed some dramatic changes within the tourism sector over the past 19 years. Now, more than ever before, the industry has to reinvent itself if it is to sustain growth in the tourism sector."

Ms. Cahill explained, "Since our first Conference in 1989 the sector has become more turbulent and increasingly price-conscious. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all individuals and organisations involved in tourism to get involved in the promotion of the entire sector all over the island of Ireland."

Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Services, Planning and Economic Development, Clare County Council added, "Local Authorities all over Ireland are playing an increasing role in the planning, development, management and promotion of tourism. They are involved in providing such tourism-linked services as the arts, festivals, urban and village renewal schemes, litter management, signage, access and special tourism initiatives like the ‘Pride of Place Awards’. Local authorities must continue to remain aware of the economic, environmental and cultural benefits that tourism can bring."

The Clare Tourist Council hosted its first national tourism conference, titled 'The Tourism Explosion - Implications for Ireland', in 1989. Subsequent conferences have addressed a wide range of tourism issues like 'Tourism for the '90s', 'Tourism & the Environment', 'Let Tourism work for You', 'Keeping up with Changing Times', 'The Role Played by Local Authorities in Tourism', 'Positioning Tourism - Quality or Price' and 'Promoting Co-operative Tourism Marketing'.

For further information on the upcoming Conference contact Kathleen Cahill, Conference Secretary on 00353-657071149 or cahilka@indigo.ie.

- End -

“Enhancing reputations–Increasing exposure–Increasing understanding”

Founded in 2006, Dunphy Public Relations is a communications group led by Mark Dunphy from County Clare. Mr. Dunphy previously held the position of ‘Head of News and Current Affairs’ in Clare FM Radio.

Dunphy Public Relations has secured extensive local, national and international media coverage for clients including Clare County Council; Supply Network Shannon; The Atlantis Holiday Group; Shannon Town Council; Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience; Clare Museum; Digino Marketing; Renewable Energy Skillsnet; Magico.ie; Kilrush Town Council; Clonlara Wholesale; Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen; Clare County Library; and Ennis Town Council.