GoKerry will be holding a series of Roadshows around the County to meet with Community tourism groups, businesses and individuals.Your Co-Ordinator will be in contact to arrange a time and date that suits your area.We look forward to meeting with you and discussing the supports

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GoKerry working with

Rural Communities

SKDP through the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme commissioned Boland Marketing to deliver a Rural Communities Animation programme, the aim of which was to develop the skills and capacity of isolated rural communities.

There were representatives of the 11 participating communities who attended the initial meeting in Killorglin last November and each group presented a brief power-point presentation of their Community Tourism Action Plans.

Representatives from Kerry County Council (Tom Curran, County Manager, John Griffin – Tourism Officer), Failte Ireland (Declan Murphy) and Go Kerry (Stewart Stephens) Noel Spillane, CEO of SKDP, Sheila Casey Acting Chairperson SKDP and the SKDP team were there. The GoKerry team, were available to network with the groups.

New Team on board for

2014GoKerry extends its

organisation in promoting Kerry as

Ireland's most vibrant destination.

Caroline Boland recently appointed as Manager of GoKerry has brought on board Louise Langan as Manager with responsibility for Sales and Marketing. These new appointments together with the new team of GoKerry Co-Ordinators has brought new energy to GoKerry.'We are delighted to have the opportunity to develop GoKerry as the marketing arm for Kerry' says Ms. Boland, 'The new team will continue to support communities, individuals and businesses in Kerry, emphasising the grassroots concept behind GoKerry.'

Valuable Tool for Tour Operators

Louise Langan has recently been in contact with members of the Irish Tour Operator's Association and discussed with them the possibility of using the GoKerry.ie website as a resource. The feedback from the members has been very positive.

Newsletter May 2014

GoKerry is an all Kerry tourism organisation giving a voice to businesses, individuals and communities promoting Kerry as

Ireland’s most vibrant tourism destination

Welcome to GoKerry’s first newsletter to help keep you in touch with all that is going on in the county.

This newsletter will be produced on a monthly basis so be sure to keep us updated with what is going on in your

business and your area.To kickstart our publication we will introduce you to our co-ordinators and show some of the events that GoKerry

has been present at to promote your product and destination

The GoKerry Team 2014: Back left: Tom Hanafin, Louise Langan, Norman Fitzgerald, Dave Elton, Nikki Wissell, Mike Edgar, Jim Morris, Front Row: Margaret O'Regan, Ann Pierce O'Connor, Mary Walsh, Caroline Boland

GoKerry Roadshow 2014

https://www.facebook.com/gokerry

We are always looking for news items and information about festivals, events and special offers to display on our Facebook page. So, keep us posted on newsworthy items.

Mary Walsh is an accomplished sales professional with extensive experience in business development in banking and tourism. Mary joined GoKerry in 2011 and covers the South Kerry area including Caherciveen, Portmagee, Valentia Island, The Glen, Ballinskelligs, Dromit and Waterville. Mary was employed for 25 years in the Banking sector with proven success in developing optimal levels of business and sales growth in the competitive banking sector. Mary is an approved Failte Ireland Tour Guide with her own business providing guided walking and motoe tours for overseas and home markets. customer service and customer care are high on Mary's priorities and she has a proven record fo excellence in delivery of service and skills.

Nicole Wissell, FCCA, CAT is a Killarney resident who joined the GoKerry team in July 2013, covering the area of Catherdaniel, Derrynane, Castlecove, Sneem, Tahilla and Parknasilla. Nicole has many years experience working in the Travel and Hospitality Sector and is a Failte Ireland approved Tour Guide. She posses excellent interpersonal skills, well developed customer service skills, an expert knowledge of omputerised packages and experience in Communications, Sales and Marketing, Public Relations, Administration and Event Management.Contact Nikki at Email: nicolewissell@gokerry.ie Tel: 087 964 7222

Mike Edgar is a Glenbeigh resident who joined the GoKerry team towards the end of 2013 to cover Glenbeigh, Cromane, Glencar and Kells. He has many years sales experience and is well versed in social media such as Facebook, YouTube etc. and is looking after Glenbeigh's digital media presence.Mike has been a keen amateur photographer and brings his skills to GoKerry for the benefit of the whole team. Mike is actively contributing to the meetings of the Mid-Kerry Tourism Cluster and the Hidden Valleys of the Reeks Tourism Group.Contact Mike at Email: mikeedgar@gokerry.ie Tel: 087 067 4085

Jim Morris is a graduate of the Institute of Technology, Tralee with Batchelor's in Accountancy. He possess the excellent interpersonal skills, has well developed customer service skills and has the ability to deal with clients effectively and efficiently, building lasting relationships as a result. Jim uses his own intitative when facing challenges, observes trends and implements change successfully. He combines his presentation skills with sound analytical research and clear verbal delivery. Jim joined GoKerry in November 2013 and is responsible for Ballybunion, Ballylongford, Causeway, Asdee, Tarbert, Moyvane, Listowel, Lisselton, Lixnaw, Duagh, Finuge and Ballyduff.Contact Jim at Email: jamesmorris@gokerry.ie Tel: 083 1946777

Ann Pierce O'Connor is a Killarney resident who joined GoKerry as Co-Ordinator in May 2013 to cover the mid-Kerry region - Keel, Boolteens, Castlemaine, Milltown, Listry, Faha, Gap of Dunloe, Beaufort, Killorglin, Caragh Lake and Glencar. Ann brings many skills to her role: communications, sales, marketing, social media and she has a thorought knowledge of her product. Ann has received commendations from her former employers in teh Bank acknowledging her outstanding results. Ann is actively contributing to the Tourism Cluster Meetings in the Mid Kerry Region.Contact Ann at Email: annpierceoconnor@gokerry.ie Tel: 087 624 8275

GoKerry were present at the Digital Marketing Workshop in Dingle

Meet the Co-Ordinators

Margaret O'Regan is the Marketing & Events Co-ordinator with GoKerry. Margaret has excellent interpersonal and organisational skills and has overseen all the promotions to date for GoKerry as well as covering the Killarney area, which enompasses Glenflesk, Killarney, Fossa, Muckross, Moll’s Gap and the Black Valley, where she is also involved locally in several tourism initiatives. She has an excellent knowledge of the tourism product in Kerry and a very broad network of contacts.Contact Margaret at Email: margaretoregan@gokerry.ie Tel: 087 955 9937

Norman Fitzgerald joined the GoKerry team in March 2014. Originally from Tralee Norman returned to Kerry having been away for over 20 years. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience from the IT sector where he has worked in various roles on large database systems, both here in Ireland and abroad. He has recently dipped his toes into the world of we b design and takes a keen interest in all aspects of website design and development, website optimistation (SEo), user experience (UX) and social media. Norman has travelled extensively and has worked as a PADI divemaster in the past. Norman is an active member of the Tralee Triathlon Club and Tralee Toastmasters. Norman is responsible for the following areas: Tralee, Ballyseede, Kilflynn, Blennerville, Fenin, Banna, Ballyheigue, Ardfert, Kilmoyley, Ballymacelligott and Abbeydorney.Contact Norman at Email: normanfitzgerald@gokerry.ie Tel: 087 6424107

GoKerry Co-Ordinators were present at the many Wild Atlantic Way meetings held in the County. Follow our link to find out about the Wild Atlantic Wayhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNjsFzyKJOI

GoKerry is present at Tourism Events in Kerry

GoKerry attended the Destination Killarney organised Killarney Tourism and Trade evening in the Gleneagle Hotel.The event included lots of information on everything Killarney - focusing in on the many activities in the area.#lovekillarney

GoKerry had a stand at the Adventure Tourism Open Day at IT Tralee

In our next edition we will profile our new Co-ordinators who have joined the team - Caroline Horgan and Marie Wilson. We will also be looking at Dave Elton who returns to us and concentrates on Social Media.

Contact Mary at Email: marybwalsh@gokerry.ie Tel: 087 232 7438

Students of Adventure Tourism and Hospitality were encouraged to visit. Potential students from colleges around the county were encouraged to visit.

Kerry co-ordinators took part in a Low Level Walk Guide Training programme and this gave Mike the opportunity to create his first GoKerry Video Click this link to view the Seefin/ Windy Gap Low Level Walkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBQ1Y07bYog&feature=youtu.be

NEWS ITEMS

GoKerry to the forefront at the 75ú

Fianna Fail Ard Fheis

The 75ú Fianna Fail Ard Fheis, held at the INEC in Killarney, was an opportunity to showcase all that Kerry has to offer, not only to delegates from the region but also throughout the country. GoKerry Tourism Co-Ordinators were on hand to provide information on holidays, activities, services and facilities available throughout the county as well as distributing special offers for the Members of GoKerry.

At the recent Kerry Airport meeting in Randles Hotel, Caroline Boland reiterated the support of GoKerry for the Airport through joint promotional activity. 'We have always supported Kerry Airport' says Ms. Boland, 'and look forward to continuing with these joint promotional activities in the future'.

Two days later Ms. Boland took part in a Radio Kerry interview where she stressed the importance of recognising Community Tourism as a valuable component of the tourism brand in Kerry.

Marketing Opportunities for GoKerry Members

1.    Sunday  Independent  Supplement

We at GoKerry are in discussion with the Sunday Independent regarding a Kerry Supplement being published this June. The Supplement will be a 28 page Compact (Tabloid size) newsprint supplement

• Publication date: 8th June 2014• Full run Sunday Independent 239,382 copies• Up to 10,000 run ons for external distribution• All edit & design as required• PDF of supplement• (information on Sunday Independent distribution and Mother & Baby iMag is attached below)

The Supplement will run on an advertorial basis and will allow you to promote the key experiences of your business and destination. It will also be a fantastic opportunity to highlight this season’s Festivals & Events, your Special Offers and Packages, etc.

This is a great opportunity for your business, local tourism group and destination. A full page in the Sunday Independent, would generally cost approx. €12,500 but GoKerry would like to offer you the following:1 page at €1,5002 pages at €2,5003 pages at €3,000

This is a tremendous opportunity for us all to work together again and we do hope you will support this promotion. We need your response and pledge as soon as possible so can you please contact us by Wednesday 7th May, 5pm with your confirmation of being a part of it. Pages are limited so "first come, first served" as the saying goes. Please come back to us as soon as possible and if you have any queries, please contact Tom or Kathleen at info@gokerry.ie or (066) 976 1615.

This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the superb experiences of the county – activities, adventure, attractions, food, culture, language, heritage, accommodation, pubs, entertainment, festivals and events, family friendliness and overall hospitality of Kerry as a tourism destination and we would urge you to avail of this opportunity for countrywide exposure again.

2.    Mother  and  Babies  Supplement

We at GoKerry have been in discussion with the Sunday Independent regarding a Kerry Supplement being published and from these discussions we have received the following enquiry.

The Editor of the Irish Independent’s “Mother’s & Babies” Supplement is interested in visiting Kerry to do a feature on Family Holidays in Kerry. She is interested in experiencing new family activities, attractions and hospitality. We hope that you can help us to make this visit special!

Can you help us please? We need you to send us in a complimentary package for your destination / business based on the following:

• 2 Nights Accommodation in June for 2 Adults and an 8 year old• Dinner for 2 Nights – local family friendly restaurants, bar food locations, cafes, etc. – all ideas

welcome• 2 Days of Family Fun featuring local attractions, activities and entertainment – cultural, water and

land based ideas please• Local guide to welcome and introduce the destination on the day of arrival

The benefit to your business and your region will include a feature / editorial in the Irish Independent’s Mother’s & Babies Supplement based on Kerry Family Holidays – (0 to 12 years age group). This is worth 1000’s of euros in advertising. Please help us to make this extra special.

To be a part of it:Please send us in a complimentary 2 Day family package for your business and destination – please link up with your local tourism providers, guides, etc. Please send it in by 5pm on Friday 9th of May.

We look forward to hearing from you with great family package ideas that we can present to the Irish Independent. Please come back to us as soon as possible and if you have any queries, please contact Tom or Kathleen at info@gokerry.ie or (066) 976 1615.

This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the family friendliness of Kerry as a tourism destination and we would urge you to avail of this potential for countrywide exposure.