Over 120 individuals and representatives from the Donegal tourism and hospitality sector have today attended Fáilte Ireland’s KNOW Donegal Local Experts Programme workshops in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.
The workshops are free and open to anyone involved in the tourism sector or those in the local community that interact with visitors.
The Local Experts Programme is part of an initiative by Fáilte Ireland to develop a network of local people who share knowledge and interact positively with visitors to Donegal.
Aisling Gillen, Failte Ireland, Louise Boyle Arranmore Ferry, Frances Boyle , Dungloe, Shiela Greene, Gweedore, and Aisling Vieria, Failte Ireland. Photo Clive Wasson
Celina McLaughlin, Silver Tassie, Orlath O’Flannigan, Silver Tassie Hotel, Amanda Boyle Failte Ireland and Patrica Moore, Doe Castle Coffee. Photo Clive Wasson
The programme aims to develop a tourism business network, social media initiatives and to make every visitor engagement a truly positive one in order to ultimately grow tourism businesses and the local economy.
Speaking at the workshops, Amanda Boyle, Senior Travel Advisor with Fáilte Ireland said:
“Today’s attendance at the workshops, with nearly 120 individuals and representatives of tourism and hospitality businesses attending is evidence of how important tourism is to the wider Donegal economy.
“The aim of the programme is to build on that sentiment by inspiring all front-line employees and volunteers to turn every visitor interaction into a truly informative and positive experience and to help offer visitors relevant recommendations on places of interest to visit in the Donegal region.”
Rosie Nic Connaith, Fanad Light House, Amanda Clarke, Travel Donegal, Syliva Gorniak, Raphoe Diocesan Archive, Aisling Gillen, Failte Ireland, Moira Hughes, Raphoe Diocesan Archive, Sue Glackin, Donegal Food Tours and Cait Fealty, Fanad Light House. Photo Clive Wasson
Ms Boyle added: “As we know, Donegal and the surrounding areas are one of the most popular destinations in Ireland for international visitors and its attractions are brought to life every day by locals interacting with tourists. Visitors not only seek out local people and their advice, they trust it. More and more holidaymakers tell us that they rely on and trust the advice and information received from the local people they meet during their stay.”
For more information see link to Fáilte Ireland’s Local Experts Programme brochure HERE
See more photos from the workshop below:
Martin McHugh, Rusty Mackerel, Megan Slevin Biddy’s Barnes, Amanda Boyle Failte Ireland, Delores Robinson, Cope House, Anita McFadden, Bay Bar, and Martin Egan Colmcille Heritage Centre. Photo Clive Wasson
Photo Clive Wasson
Sean Browne, OPW, Aisling Vieria and David Fisher, Oakfield Park. Photo Clive Wasson
Conor Carol, Boyles Buses Creeslough, Catriona Tasker, Rathmullen The Way Forward, Maire Aine Gardiner, Failte Ireland and Donnan Harvey, Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter. Photo Clive Wasson
Rona Gallagher, Sailing North, Laura Brogan, Arnolds Hotel, Aisling Vieria, Failte Ireland, Chantelle Grant, Century Complex and Niamh Quinn, Century Complex. Photo Clive Wasson
Laura Pasoma, Singing Pub, Mairead O’Connell, Singing Pub, Amanda Boyle, Failte Ireland, Shauna Boyce, Mevagh Resource Centre and Helen Donoghue. Photo Clive Wasson
