Participant Comments

“The Tourism Learning Network has opened a circle of people to chat and learn from and find common projects to work on. It has encouraged and allowed me to step back and look at my business from a financial, competitive and productive angle which in turn has created new ideas and better use of my business qualities.” - Davnet Kiernan O’Brien, Clonlara Equestrian Centre outside Limerick City

“What I like about the Tourism Learning Network is the chance to use people as a sounding board for improving my product. That plus the chance to meet other people who are involved in setting up and running riche tourism products by themselves or with a little help.” - Luke Aston, Carrigaholt Sea Angling Centre, Co. Clare

“I feel from participating on TLN that it has kept me sharper. I’ve had a fresher outlook which is important as the way of doing business has changed a lot - before it was simply stick a sign up and off you go, now there is more to do in the operation - accounts etc. and yet it is too small a business to employ full-time staff.  TLN has really helped to create a new perspective for me in running my business.” - Peggy McCarthy, Dromhall Heights B&B, Killarney, Co. Kerry

“Encourages you to have confidence and take the next step.” - Clare Rattray, Tipperary Mountain Trekking, Co. Tipperary

“Having undertaken the TLN Programme, the networking opportunities have been excellent. Apart from the varied course content covering all aspects of business management, the social context of the programme is also invaluable. The workshops and residential events were always extremely well run by a professional body and the programme is to be recommended to anyone interested in business development of any size.” - Mary Bernard, Le Gourmet, Youghal, Co. Cork

“It has been a great asset to my business and personal development. The structure is very adaptable to my needs and I believe that we are starting to see results on the ground. I am recommending the TLN to anyone I know who is in the Tourism business.” - Brian O’Carroll, Ely House, Shannonbridge, Co.Ofally

“This programme was a life saver for the Nyah Festival; it opened up new ways of thinking and made our group think outside of the box.” - Martin Donohoe, Festival Director, Nyah Traditional Arts Festival, Co. Cavan

The Tourism Learning Network was well worth it for me in terms of developing skills relevant to my business.  A good spread of ideas was always provided and discussed with the network facilitators and with the other members of the network.  We benefited from getting useful information, identifying ways of selling the strengths of our hotel, learning how to get more from our customer base, and from being supported in considering options for developing our hotel and what it offers.  A day with the network was always a day well spent.” - Cormac Walsh, Carraigart Hotel, Carraigart, Donegal

“As somebody working in a small tourism business, I sometimes find it very difficult to remember the bigger picture. The many pressures that I face on a daily basis have sometimes meant that I have lost sight of my original plan. The Tourism Learning Networks helped me to refocus on my business and also to meet tourism providers who faced similar problems and challenges. My investment in my participation on the Tourism Learning Networks has paid off handsomely, not least by helping us restructure our advertising and learning about new ways to attract business and increase our exposure locally and regionally.” - Anke Baeumler, Leitrim Quay, Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim

“Very high class in every sense and cannot recommend it high enough to anyone with tourism background”
- Rianne Smith, Aquadventures, Baltimore, Co. Cork “I have enjoyed and benefited from the Tourism Network. Meeting others from similar backgrounds and experiencing the same challenges that I face is very refreshing and by meeting regularly we can support and consult each other.” - Mary O’Driscoll, Cape Clear Ferries, Cape Clear

“What I find so good about TLN is getting together with other people to figure out how to go forward with your own business. For small establishments, such as my own, there is no broad cross sectoral forum. Now, through TLN, I have the opportunity to network, interact and exchange ideas with other tourism businesses. I can ask the question, ‘how do you see it from your business perspective?’ With this mix of businesses and viewpoints comes an enthusiasm, which is great to be a part of.” - Catherine Fitzmaurice, Kilbrogan House, Bandon, Co. Cork

“From the network, I have learned that interacting with people at all levels can be a very beneficial form of marketing and I now use this process as an active form of marketing on a daily basis.” - Paul McGonagle, Saoire Mara, Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal

“Being part of the Networks has brought us many benefits. The Network process connects us to our county’s tourism providers and provides awareness as to what is available in the county and region, to us and our customers. Meeting regularly with other tourism providers gives an insight into how they work and provides important feedback on how you are doing in your own business. The workshops and mentoring sessions help keep us focused and connected to the tourism market. We are very glad that we joined the TLN.” - Paddy Clarke, Slieve League Cultural Centre, Teelin, Donegal

“The TLN gives me the opportunity to get away from my business and view it from a different perspective and is helpful in identifying improvements required within my business.” - Paul MacGonagle, Saoire Mara, Ceann Caslach, Donegal

“As an active member of the TLN, I have found it to be invaluable to my business. The support given to each operator and the meetings with the other participants at various venues gave me great insight into the tourism product here in the North West. I increased my sales through recommendations and I was, in turn, able to confidently make referrals to other operators on the TLN Programme.” - Martin Anderson, Crest Cookery School, Letterkenny, Donegal

“I found the Tourism Learning Network sessions really useful.  The topics/ agendas covered were interesting and were based on items we wished to consider in developing our business.  We tend to work in our individual businesses and never take time out to look at what we’re doing or what direction we’re headed in, so the sessions gave us a chance to do that… time out from the normal day to day running of the business to sit and think is really beneficial.  It was great to meet and talk with others in the same boat as ourselves.  I’ve made lots of new contacts through the sessions and enjoyed them.” - Rose Blaney, Silver Tassie Hotel, Letterkenny

“I think the Networks are a fabulous resource whether it is the training or meeting and sharing ideas, experiences and problems with other people in the Hospitality Industry. It was great to hear other people ideas and solutions to different scenarios facing everyone in the Hospitality sector.”- Andrew McLaughlin, Rosapenna Hotel, Rosapenna, Donegal