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21 Oct 2025

Major international tourism conference set for Mayo

The event, which will bring a host of domestic and international tourism experts, will take place in Westport

Major international tourism conference set for Mayo

See end of article for caption.

Some of the best minds of tourism from around the globe will be touching down in Mayo later this year, as Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism’s annual conference will take place in Westport.

The event, going into its seventh year, will bring together key minds from the tourism sector both nationally and internationally.

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Among the events taking place across the two days (Wednesday, November 26 and Thursday, November 27), are a series of events, which will be front and centre.

Local adventure activities showcasing outdoor activity tourism in the county will be highlighted, as well as a local Mayo tourism and hospitality showcase.

For those attending, practical breakout workshops will also be available, as well as presentations from a series of expert panels.

Tourism Ireland’s CEO, Alice Mansergh, will be one of the many renowned figures travelling to the west of Ireland, as well as the President of the European Federation for Outdoor Employers, Jean-Yves Lapeyrère, and Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation.

Brendan Kenny, the IAAT Chief Executive, eagerly anticipates the event:

“It’s a real thrill to bring our annual conference to this magical corner of the world, boasting such a wealth of outdoor adventure options,” he stated.

“We look forward to two days of insights, inspiration, and getting the adrenaline going through some of the exciting activities available.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Joanne Grehan, Director of services at Mayo County Council: “We look forward to extending a warm welcome to adventure enthusiasts, industry leaders, tour operators, activity providers, and agents, and hope their experience of Mayo will bring them back again and again.

“With an abundance of natural amenities from our stunning coastal spaces, exceptional greenways, a myriad of tracks and trails through lush green landscapes for walking, hiking, cycling and horse-riding, Mayo offers a world-class array of experiences, positioning the county as the true capital of adventure tourism”.

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Caption: Launching the annual IAAT Adventure Tourism Conference at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh, from left: Kieran O’Reilly (Outdoor Recreation Officer, Co Mayo); Charlie Kelly (Westport Bikes); Minister of State Alan Dillon; Colin Wolfe (Chair, IAAT); Catherine Maguire (SummerSup.ie); Michael Lennon (Owner, Go Trekking and Co-Chair of the Clew Bay Tourism Network); Cllr John O'Hara (Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council); Joanne Grehan (Director of Services, Mayo County Council); Maura Murphy (Tourism Officer, Mayo County Council) and Brendan Kenny (CEO, IAAT).

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