Golf Tour operators, delegates and sponsors descended on Tralee from October 20 until October 21 for the Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association's (IGTOA) 22nd National Golf Tourism Conference & Gala Golf Awards.
The two-day event included a business networking session, conference, networking dinner and golf in Ballybunion as well as non-golfer activities such as a dance workshop in Siamsa, a sight-seeing helicopter ride and a walk in Glenteennassig Forest, which featured a surprise pop up Irish whiskey & Baileys bar hidden in the woods followed by lunch in Ashes Bar in Camp.
The event culminated with the annual black-tie gala awards dinner.
All of the activities were hosted between Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa and The Rose Hotel, which joined forces last October to win the event for Tralee.
Familiarisation Experience
In advance of the conference and awards dinner, an invite was extended to the golf operators to arrive a day early to stay, dine and golf in Tralee on Saturday October 19.
Ballygarry House, The Rose Hotel, Tralee Chamber Alliance and Tralee Golf Club came together to host the familiarisation experience for the operators. The group began their day on the Saturday with golf in Tralee Golf Club in the morning, then enjoyed a meal in Croí restaurant in the evening and subsequently checked in for overnight stays in Ballygarry House Hotel and The Rose Hotel.
"A Privilege"
Ballygarry House Hotel proprietor Padraig McGillicuddy stated, "It's a privilege to entertain the golf operators and associated from all over the globe. The event has been a real showcase for Kerry's capital and our county. The partnership was a superb initiative and a great success. The Tralee Chamber deserve a special mention along with Kerry County Council for supporting the event. The real reward will be in the increased golf business to follow into Tralee and Kerry from all over the globe."
"Thrilled"
Meanwhile, Mark Sullivan, general manager of The Rose Hotel, commented, "We were thrilled to co-host the 22nd National Golf Tourism Conference at The Rose Hotel. Our sincere thanks to the IGTOA for giving us the privilege to showcase our hotel, Tralee and our beautiful region to their members."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
