Taste Waterford attended the latest Waterford Rural Tourism Network event at the Majestic Hotel – 20 November 2025.
Themed ‘Waterford Goes Global’, one of the key learnings from the event was that for Waterford to go global, a fundamental component is the creation and maintenance of successful relationships among businesses and organisations across the county.
The event and programme is funded and supported by Waterford City & County Council and Fáilte Ireland, and delivered by Runda Hospitality & Tourism Solutions. The Waterford Rural Tourism Network is made up of five cluster areas; Copper Coast, Blackwater Valley, Comeraghs, Gaeltacht na nDéise, and Waterford Estuary.
Speakers on the day included Michael Quinn, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council. This was followed by Ivona Carr, Officer for Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland.
Julie O’Brien of Runda was joined on stage by travel editor and writer, Pól Ó Conghaile, and later a panel of guest speakers.
Finally, Julie spoke with John Healy, Director of Abbey Group. He talked about global trends and market insights, changing trends in travel motivation and what Waterford specifically can do.
Along with networking opportunities, the event offered a showcase for Waterford food and drink, with Cocoa by Judit serving hot chocolate, and a delicious lunch by local producers and chefs.