The ‘Uniquely East Galway’ Networking Event Aims to Put Region on the Map
The networking event is set to take place in Athenry, Co. Galway. Photo Credit: Galway County Council
By Pedro Zavarello
The Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry is set to become the headquarters of “The Uniquely East Galway” networking event on 28 October from 9am to 2pm, with businesses, tourism operators and community groups expected to be in attendance. The event follows a recent promotional and economic push from Irish and European Union organisations, with East Galway expected to have a significant tourism boost in upcoming years.
The event will showcase new promotional resources for the East Galway region and give tourism businesses a chance to learn about the supports available to them through the Local Enterprise Office, LEADER, Galway County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, as well as experience gained through the EU Just Transition Fund programme. It will also include sessions on the future of tourism in the area, local tourism successes and will be followed by a free networking lunch.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Councillor Andrew Reddington commented on the event, saying: “This free networking event affords everyone with an interest in East Galway tourism an opportunity to come together to further enhance East Galway’s reputation as a sustainable and vibrant destination and a must-visit part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.”
Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Tourism Development at Galway County Council, added “Working closely with the sector on the ground in East Galway, including hearing their vision for tourism in the region, is a priority for Galway County Council.”
According to Loretta Raftery, EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator for Galway County Council, “The Just Transition Fund has helped lay strong foundations for tourism in East Galway. We now have an opportunity to build on that investment by developing a strong tourism network, connecting businesses and communities, and working together to grow East Galway as a visitor destination.”
East Galway is part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands centred on the River Shannon and the surrounding midland counties, a region known for slow travel, nature and water-based activities. The area has seen several tourism initiatives and investments in recent history supported by the Galway County Council in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, the European SLOWDOWN project and the EU Just Transition Fund. The projects focus on sustainable tourism, immersive visitor experiences, tourism enterprises and accommodation.
To learn more, you can register for free at www.tinyurl.com/eastgalwaytourism.
