5th October 2026

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to welcome Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism (IAAT) to the district for its annual Adventure Tourism Conference, taking place at Lough Erne Resort on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November 2026.

The conference, which is being delivered with the support of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and in conjunction with Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, will bring together more than 200 delegates from across the adventure tourism and outdoor activity sector.

Themed ‘Into the Blue’, this year’s conference will explore the vital role of water within adventure tourism, alongside the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The programme will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, practical breakout sessions, networking opportunities and a B2B marketplace involving domestic and international tourism buyers.

The two-day programme will also provide delegates with an opportunity to experience the wealth and diversity of adventure tourism experiences available across the Fermanagh and Omagh District. The Adventure Activity Showcase will include experiences such as the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, Marble Arch Caves, Lough Erne, walking and cycling opportunities, heritage and accessible adventure activities.

The event will also showcase local tourism and hospitality businesses, providing an opportunity for operators from across the district to connect with IAAT members, tour operators, buyers and other industry partners.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism and its members to Fermanagh and Omagh for this year’s annual conference. Hosting an event of this scale provides an excellent opportunity to showcase our outstanding natural landscapes, waterways and the breadth of adventure tourism experiences available across our District.

“Adventure tourism has an important role to play in attracting visitors, encouraging longer stays, supporting local businesses and contributing to the sustainable growth of our visitor economy. The conference will also provide an excellent platform for local operators to network, share knowledge and develop new business opportunities with colleagues and buyers from across Ireland and international markets.

“Our landscape and waterways provide an exceptional setting for outdoor recreation and adventure, and we look forward to giving delegates a warm Fermanagh and Omagh welcome and allowing them to experience first-hand what makes our destination such a special place to visit.”

Brendan Kenny, CEO of Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism, said:

“We are thrilled to be bringing the IAAT Annual Conference to the Fermanagh and Omagh district. The area is an outstanding setting for an adventure tourism conference, with its extensive waterways, landscapes, trails, caves and diverse range of outdoor experiences.

“This year’s ‘Into the Blue’ theme gives us an opportunity to explore the important role that water plays within adventure tourism, while also considering the challenges and opportunities around its sustainable use and management.

“Our conference is about bringing the sector together to learn, share ideas, build relationships and create new opportunities. We are looking forward to working with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and our partners to deliver an engaging and valuable event for our members, while showcasing the fantastic adventure tourism offering across the region.”

The conference will conclude on Thursday 26 November with a programme of industry presentations and panel discussions involving senior representatives from Tourism Ireland, Tourism NI, Fáilte Ireland and IAAT, alongside local and international adventure tourism experts.

The event represents a significant opportunity to position Fermanagh and Omagh as a leading destination for sustainable adventure and outdoor tourism, while strengthening relationships between local businesses and the wider tourism industry.