Wicklow County Council Host It's Third Tourism Networking Event At Glenview Hotel
Wicklow County Council Host It's Third Tourism Networking Event At Glenview Hotel
Wicklow County Council was delighted to host its annual Tourism Networking event on Thursday, 12th November at the Glenview Hotel, where over 70 members of Wicklow's local tourism trade had the opportunity to network, collaborate, and learn from one another.
The event welcomed Guest Speaker Nadia Adan, founder of Ashford Motors. Nadia shared her expertise on "The Power of Social Media," detailing how she leverages an online following of over 500,000 to build an award-winning, multi-site luxury dealership in the county.
Fáilte Ireland introduced the new Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP), which is due to be launched in early 2027. The DEDP demonstrates strategic partnership between Fáilte Ireland and Wicklow County Council and was developed with the support of local tourism stakeholders in Wicklow. The presentation offered a preview of the actions and opportunities that will drive the development, promotion, and growth of Wicklow as a world-class visitor destination.
A key focus of the event was on Artificial Intelligence, where Fáilte Ireland offered insights into the revolution that is upon us and how tourism businesses can make the most of it. More visitors now use AI to plan their trips and decide where to stay, eat and visit, so being accurate, visible and bookable online matters more than ever. The presentation was followed by a workshop to help attendees make the most of AI.
After a beneficial networking session enjoyed by all attendees, the Glenview Hotel offered a light lunch made using local ingredients from members of the Wicklow Naturally Food and Drinks Producers Network.
Following lunch, attendees were invited to have an exclusive visit to Wicklow Gaol. After an extensive programme of refurbishment, Wicklow Gaol is set to reopen its doors at the end of November, offering a fantastic programme of activities and events.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Dr. Caroline Winstanley said: “This annual networking event highlights the incredible community spirit and resilience of Wicklow’s tourism sector. By coming together to embrace tools like social media and AI, our local businesses are ensuring that the Garden County remains at the forefront of modern tourism.
The preview of the Destination Experience Development Plan shows a clear, collective vision that will benefit our communities, protect our heritage and drive sustainable economic growth across the County Wicklow for years to come.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, commented that: “Our local tourism industry's willingness to adapt and collaborate is what will sustain the county’s position as a leading destination. Offering support on AI adoption gives Wicklow’s tourism businesses a potential competitive edge as visitor habits evolves. Paired with the structural vision of the upcoming Destination Experience Development Plan, Wicklow County Council aim to build a framework for the long-term success of the Tourism Industry in the County.”