It is estimated some 50,000 Irish visitors were through the doors of the RDS Simmonscourt last weekend for the World Holiday Show. The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) holds the three day event each January with a view to expanding the Tourism Industry.
Listowel Business & Community Alliance were keen to spread the word regarding the fantastic and unique offering North Kerry as particularly for Irish tourists looking for short breaks and day trips. Already this year the event calendar is looking pretty full with St Patrick’s Day Celebrations, Listowel Writers Week celebrating 50 Years, Listowel Races Summer & Harvest Festivals, the unstoppable Revival Music Festival, Listowel Food Fair and lots more.
The new branding of Listowel focusing on the characters and curiosities of the town was warmly received throughout the weekend with many people already having visited the town delighted to share their stories of Listowel’s legendary hospitality. One such story came from Jane, who had been travelling with her husband in August of last year. While Listowel had not originally been part of their plans, they had no other option but to stop when the camper van in which they were travelling broke down. She paid special tribute to the services and kindness of the team at the Listowel Arms Hotel, everyone at Tarrant’s Garage and a special mention to Oonagh at Broderick’s Pharmacy. The experience left a lasting impression on Jane and her husband and they intend to become regular visitors to the town for years to come.
There was extra excitement amongst the Kerry stands with the Kerry Dublin match taking place on the Saturday, which further enhanced the excitement that was buzzing throughout the Discover Kerry Village where Listowel was in good company with Ballybunion by the Sea, and many other Kerry towns.
Rose Wall, Chairperson of Listowel Business & Community Alliance who was present at the show along with Alliance Administrator Colette O’Connor stated: “One of our key objectives for 2020 is to continue raising awareness of Listowel and North Kerry as a short break destination to Irish holidaymakers”.
