Council hold tourism networking event

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Council Chairperson, Cllr Valerie Harte is photographed with the guest speakers at the Destination Industry Day in Montalto Estate. Included from left: Conor Mallon, NMDDC Director of Economy, Regeneration & Tourism; Grainne Kelliher, Industry leader in sustainability & Regenerative Tourism; Cllr Valerie Harte, Chairperson; Mathew Hynds, Killeavy Castle Estate; Jenny Hanna, Green Holiday Cottages; Julie O’ Brien, RUND hospitality & Tourism Solutions; Alison Leslie, Tourism Northern Ireland; Darren Rice, NMDDC AONB & Geopark Manager and Michelle Boyle, NMDDC Head of Tourism Development and Visitor Experience.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s annual networking event took place on Friday, 23 February at Montalto Estate outside Ballynahinch.

Sustainable tourism was the focus and visitors learned about the newly designated Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. The event attracted a diverse range of tourism industry professionals and stakeholders committed to preserving the natural beauty and heritage of this special geographical area.

Speaking at the event, Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson Council, Councillor Valarie Harte said, "We are thrilled with the success of this industry morning and networking event. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by attendees highlight the collective dedication to maximising sustainable tourism opportunities within the region. The event provided a dynamic platform for networking, enabling participants to form valuable connections and partnerships that will contribute to ongoing collaborative initiatives.”

Other speakers shared invaluable insights into how the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark status could benefit tourism. They also emphasised the importance of sustainable practices for individual businesses and how this could benefit communities and the economy.