Updated: 18/09/12 : 14:16:17
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Stand Up Paddling

Sligo Adventure Provider Ready for World Adventure Summit

A group of top adventure providers from across the country have been selected to represent “Team Ireland” at the annual Adventure Travel World Summit in Switzerland with Stand Up Paddling flying the flag for Sligo.  The four day conference, beginning on 8th October, will include networking with over 700 tour operators from more than 60 countries as well as attending learning seminars which will include presentations from some of the top experts in the global adventure sector.

A ‘Destination Ireland’ stand will allow the Irish businesses to sell their wares and showcase all that Ireland has to offer not just for the adventure enthusiast but also for those looking for something less strenuous.   Fáilte Ireland is co-ordinating the trip and Ethna Murphy, who manages Destination Development for the tourism authority, will be one of a panel of expert speakers.

Looking forward to the conference, Ms Murphy stressed the importance of Ireland being promoted at this event –

“With the adventure tourism market trending upwards even in these challenging times, it is imperative that Ireland is well represented at international events.  Tourism authorities all over the world have increased their emphasis and level of importance on adventure tourism and bringing Irish businesses to events such as this goes a long well in showing all that we can offer our potential visitors.”

The world summit is organised by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) who are the global organisation for the sector with more than 750 members including tourism operators, businesses, destinations and media.

Research shows that the overseas activity sector is worth over €800 million a year to Ireland and those who take part in activity pursuits when in Ireland spend on average 40% more than other visitors.

Speaking today David O’Hara from Stand Up Paddling said –

“SUPforAll is excited and proud to have been chosen by Fáilte Ireland to represent our passion which is Stand Up Paddling and our location, The Lake Isle of Innisfree, Ballintogher, Sligo in Lucern this October.  Having already been contacted by Tour Operators from China, Canada and publications from USA, we realize and relish the opportunity this World Summit provides to sell the Yeats County."