Bright Geopark business outlook for Mayo and Galway 2025 tourism seasons

Participant numbers were strong and there was great engagement and optimism at Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark’s early season Business Network Event today, held at Cong Crossroads Community Centre.

In what will be an annual event to gear up for the new tourist season, it attracted around 40 businesses operating in the Geopark region of 1560sq. km., including from hospitality, outdoor experiences, training, heritage and the arts.

Additionally, a range of agency and project service providers for businesses were also important contributors to the event.

The format is simple and very effective for businesses and service providers alike.

Progress updates from the Geopark, then outlines of business supports were provided by Fáilte Ireland, Mayo and Galway County Council tourism officers and Local Enterprise Offices, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Education and Training Boards (ETBs), Inland Fisheries Ireland and local development companies.

Interspersed were very brief elevator pitches from all the businesses present to provide a hook for follow up introductions and chats during the numerous networking breaks to explore possible collaborations.

The agency service providers were available throughout the event for chats about supports ranging from skills training, strategic and business planning, infrastructure development and product/service development, sustainable energy, climate actions, funding and financial support.

Fáilte Ireland predicts a buoyant 2025 tourist season, especially taking account of a strong US dollar and increased availability of tourist accommodation.

Fionnán Nester, Fáilte Ireland Project’s Officer Wild Atlantic Way: “Despite the challenges of 2024, including rising costs, adverse summer weather, and accommodation constraints, the tourism industry cautiously optimistic.

"The Geopark business network is not only helping build a resilient sector through collaboration but also shaping a really compelling visitor proposition for the area.”

Meadbh Seoighe, Údarás na Gaeltachta Tourism Executive, noted: “I’ve really enjoyed the day and meeting with the tourism industry working within the Geopark region.

"It’s clear they see the benefits of the Geopark in the short- and long-term. Údarás na Gaeltachta has been supportive from the outset, seeing the Geopark as a strategic project for the region.”

Mayo County Council Head of Tourism Tia Crowley said: “We need to be ambitious for our Geopark – it may not be the biggest or the smallest but it could be the most successful in terms of beauty, visitor experience and value to local communities from the perspective of tourism but also the development and enhancement of the environment for those living and working in the local area.”

Caroline McDonagh of Galway LEO: “The supports available from Galway LEO are instrumental in promoting the development of enterprises and job creation around the Geopark and fostering regional development."

“A great Geopark business network event. Fantastic learning, engagement and of course catch up,“ said Deirdre Forde, Camillaun Lodge, Oughterard.

“As ever a well-run event and great to see and meet other tourism professionals,“ stated Suellen McKenna, Manager Community Services Programme, Ballintubber Abbey.

UNESCO status update

JCWL Geopark is well on track to achieve UNESCO Global Geopark status in autumn 2025 – taking the full allowable two years from assessment date to address their recommendations.

The main things required to strengthen are:

1. Visibility: welcome road signs and outdoor panels in geopark communities and indoor signs with geopark information are being erected this spring; info displays are now installed at Cong, Kylemore Abbey visitor centres and soon to be at CDS Corr na Móna; geosite/sites of interest panels with local heritage info are designed and soon ready to be put up; links on partner digital platforms across the region are helping to inform about the geopark and its benefits for communities

2. Education programme: this strategic approach to learning for all through a stakeholder-led action was launched Nov 2024 and is happening continuously

3. Long-term funding including a solid governance and management structure: good progress on this in collaboration with agency and donor partners; and reinforcing the strong role of women in the geopark

4. Networks of communities, business, education: these three networks (including via the voluntary cross-community group GeoEnterprise) are active, and there’s increased links with the Global Geoparks Network of over 200 geoparks

Meantime, Joyce Country and Western Lakes continues to function as a Geopark, promoting this beautiful area, its local attractions, experiences and hospitality for the benefit of its communities.

See a wealth of information on the website www.joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie and follow on facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X with this handle @JCWLGeopark