Elizabeth holds Keyes to Cathedral success

ST Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, was among nine finalists in the Fáilte Ireland Tourism Business Challenge to be recognised at a recent awards ceremony in Dublin. Elizabeth Keyes of St Canice’s Cathedral was presented with the award

Launched in 2009, the Tourism Business Challenge invited individual businesses involved in the Fáilte Ireland Tourism Learning Networks to put forward innovative ideas they had implemented in response to economic challenges faced last year and to outline the immediate and positive impact these have had on their business performance.

Congratulating the finalists, Colm Breheny, Manager Professional Development with Fáilte Ireland, said that all had demonstrated how

innovation is key to sustainability. “Fáilte Ireland's Tourism Business Challenge has given tourism entrepreneurs throughout the country the opportunity to demonstrate how they are tackling the trend of reduced demand and lower discretionary spending.

“Focussed marketing strategies incorporating new web technology were used to help build a stronger relationship with existing and potential customers. Common themes among the finalists were reducing costs without effecting product quality, effectively managing working capital and stock, working closer with local groups and events and negotiating keener bank charges,” he said.

“In a year where many tourism businesses have found it difficult to grow business and remain profitable, it is heartening to see how with

some innovation a business can increase bottom line profitability without increasing sales,” he concluded.