Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Hosts Tourism Conference 2026

More than 100 businesses, industry leaders, tourism professionals, academics, local authorities and community stakeholders from across the tourism sector attended the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Tourism Conference 2026, held in at Glenpark Estate, Omagh, on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Barra Best, this year’s conference, “Sustainable Landscapes”, explored how regenerative and sustainable practices can shape the future of tourism while delivering lasting benefits for businesses, communities and the environment.

The conference was formally opened by the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, who reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to sustainable tourism development and highlighted the importance of fostering a balanced and holistic approach to growing the visitor economy,  — one that supports local businesses, empowers communities and protects the natural environment for future generations.

Councillor McElduff said:

“Together, these valued contributions highlight the important work being undertaken to enhance the sustainability of the tourism sector with direct benefits for our Council area.

This commitment to development and innovation is being driven by strong partnerships, dedicated people and transformational thinking, paving the way for a more vibrant, sustainable and progressive visitor economy across Omagh and the Sperrins, and Fermanagh Lakelands of course.

It was particularly pleasing for me that this year’s conference took place at Glenpark in the splendour of Gortin Glens”.

The conference programme brought together a diverse range of expert perspectives from across the tourism sector.

Tony McDonagh (Visit West Belfast) reflected on West Belfast’s tourism journey since the Good Friday Agreement and its transformation into a vibrant visitor destination.

Carmel Scott (Tourism NI) and Sinéad Murray (Tourism Ireland) highlighted the success of  the Spring 2026 marketing campaign promoting County Fermanagh as part of the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands proposition, and outlined how local businesses can engage with national tourism agencies to increase visibility and attract new visitors.

Ciara Toner (Sperrins Partnership) provided an overview of the proposed Sperrins AONB Action Plan and highlighted the many environmental, cultural and tourism benefits of the Sperrins landscape while Brian Johnston (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council) shared valuable insights into local authority-led tourism initiatives.

Following a networking break, Karan McLernon from the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark outlined the Geopark’s work to enhance accessibility and inclusion, ensuring the destination is welcoming to all visitors.

Delegates also heard from Michael Cadden (Lusty Beg Island Resort) and Barry Flanagan (Erne Water Taxi),  both active members of the Geopark’s strong Regenerative Tourism Business Network, who highlighted the importance of collaboration, shared learning and collective problem-solving in supporting sustainable tourism growth across the region.

Closing the conference, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, Chair of the Visitor Experience Development Plan Delivery Partnership, updated delegates on current and emerging tourism development opportunities across the Fermanagh and Omagh District and thanked the speakers, delegates and hosts at Glenpark Estate for contributing to what was described as an engaging and inspiring morning in the County Tyrone sunshine.