A new programme designed to support and promote enterprise development and jobs in tourism within the Midlands region has welcomed its first intake of tourism businesses.
Fáilte Ireland welcomed its first intake of tourism businesses to its Tourism Learning Network Programme on Monday in Tullamore Court Hotel.
Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, this new programme is designed to build tourism business’ capabilities to help grow and future proof their sustainable development as part of the EU Just Transition Fund.
Participants of the programme were invited to Tullamore Court Hotel to network with other tourism businesses, learn more about the new Tourism Learning Network Programme and gain insights from industry experts. The event also included two introductory courses on Accessibility and Sustainability, along with a panel discussion featuring guest speakers with first-hand experience in access and inclusion
“Fáilte Ireland is pleased to mark the beginning of the Tourism Learning Network Programme. The programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the EU under the EU Just Transition Fund, is one of six schemes we are running as part of our Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to support the development of new enterprises and jobs in tourism in the region and our vision is to establish the Midlands as an authentic regenerative tourism destination.
“The Tourism Learning Network Programme will help businesses within the EU Just Transition territory to develop essential skills and practices across planning, digital, sustainability and accessibility while enhancing the visitor experience across the region. This is the first intake for this programme, and we look forward to welcoming many more participants over the course of the next two years,” Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland Paul Keeley, said.
The programme provides a unique opportunity for participants to benefit from a fully-funded programme of tailored professional development supports that enhances their tourism skillsets and supports the transition from employment in the peat or electricity production to a career in the tourism industry.
Participants in the programme come from across all 8 counties in the EU JTF territory, from a diverse range of sectors including accommodation providers, tours, visitor attractions, activity providers, public bodies and previous employees of ESB Networks and Bord na Móna planning a new career in tourism. They will participate in the programme for 2 years and will select a tailored learning pathway suited to their individual needs across the five key learning pillars: Understanding Tourism, Business Planning for Growth, Digital and Technology, Access and Inclusion, and Sustainability. Upon programme completion, participants will have the opportunity to be awarded certification and connected to further Fáilte Ireland Business Supports.
Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, the EU Just Transition Programme supports regions that are impacted by the transition away from peat production. Fáilte Ireland developed the EU Just Transition Learning Network Programme to help maximise the benefit of the EU Just Transition scheme for tourism businesses, employees, visitors, and the wider region.
