As part of a series of web supports for the tourism industry in the West of Ireland, a web conference for Fáilte Ireland approved Self Catering, Hostel and Caravan & Camping operators took place  at Galway’s Carlton Hotel. The conference was the first in a series of targeted supports which Fáilte Ireland is promoting as part of a deliberate effort to revitalise and reposition the small and medium sized accommodation product in the region.

Delegates attended the conference from all over the West, Mid West, North West and Midlands Regions, and were provided with tips and techniques from Fáilte Ireland’s Web Supports Team on how to enhance their web presence, both at home and in the overseas markets. They also learned how to effectively feature their product to existing and potential customers as well as the benefits of social media.

Pictured are  Letitia Wade, Failte Ireland, Catriona Fitzpatrick, Jameson Court Apartments, Finola Cooke, Lisdonagh House and Shane Healy, Snoozles Hostel Galway.

Explaining the origins of this web conference and other business supports targeting these sectors, Fiona Monaghan with Fáilte Ireland, said:

“This web conference and Fáilte Ireland’s wider Business Supports programmes have been developed as part of our commitment to recognising and continuously improving the quality and standards of the tourist accommodation offering across the country and supporting these sectors to grow their business in 2012 and beyond. The aim of this conference specifically was to help our industry partners to optimise their business on the web.”

Modules that were covered at the conference included Optimise your Web Presence; Social Media & Facebook; Managing your entry on www.discoverireland.ie; Marketing Overseas; and Trip Advisor – Exploring the prominence of customer reviews.

During the conference, Fáilte Irelands Web Supports Team were available to conduct a series of 20 minute Rapid Review sessions providing a brief independent review of delegates websites.

Together with this Web Conference, Fáilte Ireland has developed a number of fully and partially subsidised business supports programmes and additional aids for the Self Catering, Hostels and Caravan & Camping Sectors, which are being implemented nationally throughout the coming months.

All approved operators are encouraged to participate and can do so, by contacting Letitia Wade in the Fáilte Ireland Galway office on Tel:             091-537751       or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by visiting the Training and Workshops section on www.failteireland.ie/trainingworkshops