Last weekend, Kerry Convention Bureau showcased Kerry as a unique and inspiring business events destination to 14 influential Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibition (MICE) event planners, hailing from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Held in partnership with SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence) and Fáilte Ireland, the immersive destination showcase provided the opportunity for the invited event planners to come and experience a taster of what Kerry has to offer for incentive events over an action packed two- day, two-night educational programme and connect them with local business event suppliers.

With an itinerary featuring established Kerry business events infrastructure of 4 & 5* hotels, leading venues and signature activities, highlights included a storytellers welcome at Great Southern Killarney, fine dining at The Europe Hotel and Resort and the Killarney Park, folklore and dance at Siamsa Tire, grazing banquets featuring local produce at The Rose Hotel, Muckross Park Hotel and The Tanyard, jaunting car ride through the National Park, educational tours of Killarney Brewing Company, Muckross Traditional Farms and Killarney’s Urban Farm and more than a few other surprise and delight moments along the way.

The programme also shone a spotlight on new experiences suitable for the MICE sector, including a bespoke activity showcase in Fenit, created especially for this group.

On Saturday morning, the group were essentially ‘given the village’ in a collaborative undertaking driven by Fenit Town Hall and Fenit Without, and Kerry Ambassador and MTU Academic and UNESCO Chair Catherine Carty. Starting with a bike ride along Ireland’s newest Greenway for all the group, the individual planners then enjoyed a preselected activity of choice; with Fenit Sea Safari, Fenit Lighthouse Boat Tour and beach yoga on offer.

To align with Ireland’s second Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Week and highlight efforts in Fenit village to embrace the United Nations’ agenda for social, economic and environmental sustainability, the group then got hands participating in a beach clean, in support of National Beach Clean weekend, organised with Clean Coasts.

With its combination of immersive experiences and industry networking, the group were left with an unforgettable impression of a region with compact destinations that deliver first-class authentic MICE events which combine iconic landscapes and culture with expertise, knowledge and warm hospitality to seamlessly deliver extraordinary and memorable events for clients.

Becky Hargrove, Manager of KCB said “We were delighted to work in partnership with SITE Ireland and Failte Ireland to bring this group of influential event planners to Kerry and give them a truly memorable overview of why Kerry should be firmly on their business events destination radar” 

“Kerry is a spectacular place to inspire, engage, reward and motivate business event attendees. Whether it’s a high-end incentive programme, or an association or corporate meeting, we offer unrivalled facilities in idyllic locations throughout the county, ideal for every type of business event” Becky added “As demonstrated in this destination showcase, we are supported by dedicated and passionate industry partners who work together as #TeamKerry to deliver extraordinary events which will be talked about for years to come”

To underpin Kerry’s ranking of #13 on the Global Sustainable Destination Index, the itinerary incorporated important elements around Sustainability at every touch point, along with activities focused on social responsibility and wellness. Each of the Kerry suppliers featured were asked to highlight activities and endeavours within their business, which demonstrated their focus, commitment and capability to assist event planners hold green events.

“As a county, Kerry is future focused and leading the way in sustainable tourism. As a bureau, we are committed to working with our membership and wider Kerry industry partners to grow and strengthen Kerry’s reputation as a leading destination for sustainability, community, social entrepreneurship and responsible tourism” said Becky. “We were thrilled to create this bespoke experience in Fenit, and also align our weekend’s activities with the UN SDG Action Week and National Beach Clean, as it provided the opportunity for our attendees to engage in meaningful activities effecting a positive change and leaving a lasting legacy for the community”

Fáilte Ireland’s Business Events Team Manager Ciara Gallagher said: “The Fáilte Ireland Business Events team were delighted to support and participate in this wonderful weekend which showcased Kerry as a leading sustainable business tourism destination. One of our core priorities is to grow the regional spread of delegates to ensure sustainable regional development for all parts of Ireland. A welcome element of this year’s programme was the SDG Action Week activities, which aligns with Fáilte Irelands commitment of being a Sustainable Development Goal Champion for 2023 – 2024. In addition, we are proud of our Irish industry trade partners who are leading the way in making a significant impact and leaving a lasting legacy for the environment and society.”

SITE Ireland President Arthur McGauren said “SITE Ireland was proud to partner with Kerry Convention Bureau and Fáilte Ireland on this amazing event. We were delighted to showcase the high quality incentive travel products that Kerry has to offer, with a true highlight being the trip to Fenit. Only 45 minutes drive from Kerry Airport, this option is relatively unknown on the incentive circuit yet has a plethora of options to surprise and delight international clients…. It was a real treat and a hidden gem”