Maximising the direct value to the economy of heritage tourism and the serious decline of both domestic and international visitors to Ireland will be the main topics of discussion at the upcoming Tourism Conference in Youghal, Co. Cork, on 13th and 14th May 2010.
Photos: Michael Hussey copyright to Youghalonline.com E Mail news@youghalonline.com

The Conference will see over 100 tourism industry officials and members of Local Authorities, Economic Development Officers, as well as all public and private bodies involved in maximising the tourism potential of heritage towns descend on the East Cork town.  Youghal Town Council which was awarded ‘Town Council of the Year’ at the Chambers Ireland ‘Excellence in Local Government Awards’ will host the conference in association with the internationally renowned Historic Towns Forum, based in the UK.

The opening address of the conference which is entitled  ‘Maximising the Tourism Potential of Heritage Towns’ will be performed by  Martin Riordan, County Manager, Cork County Council.  Speakers scheduled to address the conference include a wide range of expertise from both the UK and Ireland, including: Paddy Mathews, Planning and Environment, Failte Ireland (Historic Towns: What Visitors Want).  Brian Human Vice-Chair of Historic Towns Forum (Guidelines for Sustainable Cultural Tourism), David Bruce, Advisor to Walled Towns Friendship Circle (International Overview of Good Practice: Maximising or Optimising?), along with the renowned Marketeer, Michele Grant, Director, L&R Consulting LLP (UK) on ‘Resorts: Marketing Positioning & Marketing’.

Irish success stories include case studies from ‘The Westport Experience’ presented by Simon Wall, Architect, Westport Town Council, ‘The Titanic Trail, Cobh,’ presented by Historian Michael Martin, along with Liz McEvoy of the Cork Marketing Partnership on ‘Marketing Towns & Cities to Drive Regional Economic Development’.

An interactive workshop session, chaired by Chris Winter of the Historic Towns Forum will focus on What Can Ireland Learn from International Best Practice as well as the part Heritage Tourism can play in Ireland’s Economic Recovery.

Ireland’s cultural heritage is consistently cited as a key motivating factor for holiday visits to Ireland, with Failte Ireland Visitor Attitudes Survey showing that 75% of overseas holidaymakers rating history and culture as hugely important factors in considering Ireland for a holiday break.

Commenting on the conference, organiser, Aileen Ahern said: “We are aiming to provide a practical format for developing processes, products and priorities that can be used by Heritage Towns to fully exploit their potential.  We have assembled a wonderful blend of leading practitioners from overseas alongside some of the best examples of best practice in Ireland from which we believe can develop a framework for action going forward.”

For further information on Youghal Town Council’s Conference on

‘Maximising The Tourism Potential of Heritage Towns’ call: Youghal Heritage on: 024-81814, Email: tourism@youghal.ie or log onto www.youghal.ie

Issued by:

Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group

Enterprise Youghal,

Emmet Place,

Youghal,

Co. Cork

Contact: Aileen Ahern.  Tel: 024-81814 E:tourism@youghal.ie

Click here for conference details