High-profile bloggers were whisked around Donegal on an action-packed trip last week as Donegal Tourism championed the Coolest Place at the successful TBEX conference.
TBEX – Travel Blogger Exchange – is the largest conference and networking event for travel bloggers, online travel journalists, new media content creators, travel brands and industry professionals.
Each year, TBEX partners with fantastic host destinations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific to bring the travel industry’s most creative minds together to learn, network and do business. For the second time in the history of the event the conference has been hosted in Ireland.
Official Opening of the TBEX Conference in Killarney by the TBEX CEO – Rick Calvert. #TBEXIreland / @TBEXevents
TBEX took place in Killarney from October 2nd – 5th and Donegal Tourism in association with Donegal County Council attending the event as Gold Sponsors maximising the marketing opportunities for the county, promoting Donegal as a destination on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Coolest Place on the Planet.
The Gold Sponsorship package provided Donegal Tourism with much needed exposure before and during TBEX including sponsor table in the Sponsor Showcase, inclusion in Speed Networking session between industry and bloggers, social media mentions, attendee gift bags items, Donegal Tourism and Donegal County Council profiles on the official TBEX website tbexcon.com
The Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Gerry McMonagle welcomed this initiative as a new opportunity to further develop Donegal’s presence in the world of online travel.
There was a huge interest in the Donegal stand among bloggers who came to speak to Donegal Tourism Representatives about what they do and to find out more about the county.
Over two days of Speed Networking Sessions alone, Donegal Tourism staff engaged in conversations with nearly 50 bloggers from the USA, Canada, Australia and mainland Europe exploring the potential for future collaboration.
Travel Bloggers at Sliabh Liag as part of #TBEXIreland familiarization trip. Photo L-R: Amee Cantagallo, USA, Carol Cain, USA, Yeison Kim, Costa Rica, Charles McCool, USA, Gordon Arthur, Australia, Paula McInerney, Australia, Samantha Wei, Costa Rica, Julie McCool, USA.
3-day Fam Visit
As an event sponsor – Donegal Tourism in association with Fáilte Ireland also availed of the opportunity to invite a group of online journalists on a 3-day familiarisation (or fam) trip to Donegal. A group of selected high profile bloggers came to Donegal to experience the local culture, heritage, activities and people against the backdrop of spectacular and rugged coastline.
Travel Bloggers on #TBEXIreland 3-day familiarization trip to Donegal. Photo L-R: – Paula McInerney, Australia, contentedtraveller.com, Iga Lawne, Donegal County Council, Amee Cantagallo, USA, Charles McCool, USA, McCoolTravel.com, Carol Cain, USA, GirlGoneTravel.com, Julie McCool, USA, funinfairfaxva.com, Gordon Arthur, Australia, shortholidaysandgetaways.com, Samantha Wei, Costa Rica; mytanfeet.com, Yeison Kim, Costa Rica, mytanfeet.com, Shane Smyth, Discover Bundoran
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council and Chairman of Donegal Tourism –Seamus Neely said ‘The partnership between the agencies and the trade shows the strength of working together as a county. Without their generous support this fam trip would not be possible. I strongly believe that the fam trip will give Donegal additional online exposure worldwide’.
Donegal Tourism CLG and Donegal County Council would like to sincerely thank Donegal businesses for their assistance and sponsorship of accommodation, meals and activities.
The following Donegal providers have kindly offered their services: Fin McCool Surf School, Creevy Pier Hotel, Rossmore Manor B&B, Donegal Castle, The Reel Inn, Walking Ireland – John McGroary, Harvey’s Point Hotel, Cyndi Graham Handweaving, Glencolmcille Folk Village, Nancy’s Bar – Ardara, Arranmore Sea Safari, Waterfront Hotel, Dungloe, Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Tea Rooms, Kinnegar Brewery, Berry Lane – Letterkenny, The Cathedral Quarter, Fort Dunree, Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre, Nancy’s Barn – Ballyliffin and Inishowen Gateway Hotel – Buncrana.
