Longford workshop on exploring how to unlock the potential of community-based tourism

The Community Wetlands Forum (CWF) will host a Community Tourism Workshop in Longford’s Temperance Hall from 10am - 5pm on Thursday, November 16.

The workshop will hear from representatives of community tourism experiences nationwide including Arigna Mines, a visitor attraction of international standard who launched their successful initiative during a period of community transition.

The event entitled ‘Inspiring Community Tourism Experiences’ will be chaired by Carmel Fox, a leader in Community Tourism and Local Development who developed the successful Ballyhoura Brand. 

Sessions will include:

• Community Tourism Success Stories: use what you have
• Managing Visitors for Conservation
• Making Community Tourism Happen
• Challenges and Opportunities for Community Tourism

A host of relevant stakeholders will be on hand to engage with participants and exhibitors who offer services to assist communities with their Tourism Projects.

Paddy Mathews, Head of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands - Failte Ireland, observed, “Failte Ireland is pleased to support the Community Wetlands Forum’s Community Tourism Workshop. Community-based tourism enterprises exist in every part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands delivering powerful and far-reaching economic and social benefits which help local communities across the region to thrive.” 

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Mary Mulvey, Community Wetlands Forum, Company Secretary and organiser of the event, knows from experience both what is involved and the opportunity that is now available: 

“This region has the potential to transform the tourism offering and what better way than through community-owned and developed accommodation and attractions. Communities have been the cornerstone of Irish Tourism for decades, from organising annual Festivals and Events, to the tireless work of Tidy Towns and Heritage Towns which, every year, present our towns and villages in a way that is great, not just for residents, but for our visitors too. We know from experience that one of the best ways of ensuring great tourism success, is through mobilising a community, getting their buy-in and empowering them to deliver on the future they envisage for their families and communities. Great places to live are also great places to visit."

It is hoped that the event will inspire both policymakers and communities to address the key issues of successful environmentally-focused community tourism experiences. These include:

• Ecological regeneration and sustainable Visitor Management 
• Decarbonised economy 
• A just resilience 
• A shared Cost and Burden and access to public assets for reuse

All welcome. Registration is free and tickets can be booked in advance at www.communitywetlandsforum.ie/events 

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