Waterford Experience for AVEA
Waterford welcomes more than 200 leaders from Ireland’s tourism and hospitality sector for AVEAconf25, the annual national gathering of the Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions. Taking place today, the event will shine a spotlight on Ireland’s growing visitor economy and the central role attractions play in shaping the country’s tourism offering.
The 2025 conference theme, "Ireland’s Tourism Mosaic of Amazing Spaces", will explore how innovation, leadership and sustainability are driving change in the industry. Over two days, delegates will take part in keynote sessions, panel discussions and learning journeys across some of Waterford’s leading attractions, including Mount Congreve Estate and the House of Waterford Crystal. The programme will also include networking events designed to foster collaboration across the sector.
Catherine Flanagan, CEO of AVEA (pictured), said the conference comes at an important moment for Irish tourism. Visitor experiences and attractions are at the heart of how Ireland tells its story to the world.
"Our members welcome 20 million visitors a year, and are key drivers of the tourism economy, particularly in the regions," she said.
AVEAconf25 will feature discussions on artificial intelligence, strategic resilience, marketing trends and sustainable practice. Research by the National Centre for Tourism Policy Studies at the University of Limerick will examine visitor flow to the Cliffs of Moher and how Clare County Council is using the data to improve on the visitor experience.
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