25 May 2018

Over the last two weekends, Kerry has been showcased as a unique and inspiring business tourism destination with two educational programs hosting Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) event planners from across the UK and the US.

Hosted by Kerry Convention Bureau (KCB), the first program, designed as an ‘Experiential Weekend in Kerry’, offered a group of senior staff from leading UK event agencies the opportunity to come and experience the best of what Kerry has to offer for business events on a relaxed three day educational program connecting them with local business event suppliers and operators. A US based sporting event planner was also in attendance.

The program was designed specifically to boost Kerry’s profile as a vibrant and spectacular destination for business events and conferences. Offering a combination of experiences, product and networking, the group were left with an unforgettable impression of a compact destination that delivers world-class MICE events by applying invaluable local heritage, expertise and knowledge to achieve uniquely successful events for clients.

They were given first-hand experience of the facilities, venues, accommodation, transportation and services that Kerry has to offer, encouraging them to choose the region for their next big conference or event.”

“Kerry is a spectacular place to inspire, engage and motivate business tourism delegates” said KCB Chair Mike Buckley. Whether it’s an association or corporate meeting or a high-end incentive, we offer unrivaled facilities in idyllic locations throughout our region”. He added “In the past 5 years, Kerry has welcomed over 220 conferences/ meetings and 180 incentives with more than 120,000 delegates from over 25 different countries.

The program highlights included a day trip with a difference out to the Dingle Peninsula on a bespoke tour organised by Hidden Ireland tours, VIP tickets to the Gary Barlow concert at the INEC as well as visits to a range of 5* and 4* KCB member hotel properties across Kerry. The program also featured signature experiences such as riding bikes and Jaunting Cars through the National Park, a boat trip from Ross Castle to the Europe Hotel and Resort and immersive activities like Dingle Distillery Tour and a gentle hike up Dunmore Head.

Hosted by Fáilte Ireland’s Meet in Ireland team, in partnership with Tourism Ireland and Wallace Travel Group, a second group of ten US event planners also visited the region this week, as part of an educational program showcasing Kerry, Shannon and Dublin.

The group enjoyed experiences including a visit to Muckross Traditional Farms and a mini Ring of Kerry Tour as well as spending time visiting some of the business events facilities, venues and accommodation, that Kerry has to offer.