This was the first in a series of networking events aiming to link the rich array of tourism assets in the region to build dynamic packages to attract visitors
Just Transition Tourism Activators recently joined tourism operators from across the region for a ‘Collaboration Cruise’ on Lough Ree and the River Shannon as part of a successful inaugural networking event.
Over 110 new and existing sustainable and regenerative tourism operators took part in this networking and peer learning event for the counties surrounding Lough Ree and Suck Valley Way through the Fáilte Ireland EU Just Transition Fund Tourism initiative.
This was the first in a series of networking events which aim to link the rich array of tourism assets in the region in order to build dynamic packages to attract visitors.
Programmed and produced by the four Just Transition Tourism Activators of Longford, Westmeath, Roscommon, and Galway East the ‘Collaboration Cruise’ allowed those engaged in tourism who are either building their business or re–orientating it to become more sustainable and regenerative as well as learning from other operators around the country. The network aims to help operators understand more about collaborative opportunities presented by the newer visitor activities and accommodation offerings coming on stream.
This region forms a destination zone within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands which is very much in its early developmental stage and this event highlighted the wealth of opportunities for building tourism in the region.
Participants on the cruise heard first hand of the experience of relatively new accommodation providers, network operators and activity providers about the key lessons they learned from working with groups, collaborative marketing, keeping costs down and growing sales.
The short, practical and panel moderated sessions were followed by intensive questions and answers in the Hodson Bay Hotel before boarding one of Lough Ree’s most significant hire fleet and an EU Just Transition funded vessel – ‘Viking Mike.’
While on board, participants had the opportunity to network and pitch the businesses they were building or operating. This hugely successful event provided operators with an opportunity to gain useful contacts and valuable information in a unique setting.
The four Just Transition Tourism Activators of the Lough Ree and Suck Valley Way areas supported by their County Tourism Officers and in conjunction with Just Transition and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands are creating a clustered collaborative network of similar business across the territory.
Following on from this inaugural event a series of cluster themed workshops, interactive seminars and familiarisation trips will be organised by the EU Just Transition Activators in the coming months, followed by another Lough Ree invite-only cruise to those operators who complete the programme being offered in late May 2026.
Michael Nevin, Director of Services, Longford County Council said,
“This was one of the most rewarding and dynamic events we have been able to produce during this EU Transition Programme. Further to the initial information evenings; it was wonderful to again see so many of the same faces, now ready to network with pre-existing tourism operators in a regenerative and sustainable way. It is really encouraging to see so many new Longford innovators in the Tourism and Hospitality sector being able to build foundations together for this new collaborative network.”
Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Mark Casey said,
“This successful collaboration demonstrates how the Just Transition programme supports tourism providers by enabling them to innovate, expand their offerings and drive growth in the region.”
Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon emphasised the importance of networking and peer learning events for tourism operators in the region saying,
“Peer engagement, networking and continuous learning are crucial for tourism businesses- echoing the goals of Just Transition programmes in supporting community capacity building, collaboration and sustainable growth.”
For further information on how to get involved in this exciting initiative please contact Longford’s Just Transition Tourism Activator [email protected]
