Lorcan Casey, Prince of Wales Hotel; Emma Coyne and Tara White, Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar; Stephanie Byrne, Fáilte Ireland; and Matt O’Connor, Mullingar Park Hotel. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin

Local hospitality teams attend Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands networking event

Representatives from nearly 80 tourism businesses from across the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region met today at the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone for the first Fáilte Ireland in-person networking event since the start of pandemic.

The purpose of the event was for accommodation, attraction and activity providers to learn more about the breadth of experiences on offer in the Hidden Heartlands, as they work to develop a strong cross-selling culture for the destination.

A number of 10-minute, one-to-one sessions took place so businesses could showcase their products and explore how they can develop themed bundles or experiences, to build Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands as a compelling holiday destination for summer 2022 and beyond.

Paddy Mathews, head of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland, said: “As we begin to enter the busy summer season, it is opportune to bring tourism businesses and local authorities together so they can learn what else is on their doorsteps for visitors to enjoy.

“We are pleased to be working with so many businesses and local authorities today to build great itineraries and ‘bundle’ the regions tourism offerings to create more reasons for visitors to stay and enjoy the wonderful experiences available right across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.”

Amy Deegan and Liam Tutty of Dead Centre Brewing, Athlone; Richie O’Hara, Baysports, Kiltoom; and Grainne Cornally, Fáilte Ireland. Photo: Gerard O’Loughlin Photo by GOL