By Kylie Basnett | Group Corporate & MICE Sales Manager Trigon Hotels
Next week, I will travel to London as part of a wider Cork delegation representing our beautiful city, and honestly, it is something I feel incredibly proud and honoured to be part of.
Representing Trigon Hotels, including The Metropole Hotel and Cork International Hotel, is always a privilege, but having the opportunity to also represent Cork itself, alongside so many passionate people from our tourism, hospitality and food industries, makes this experience even more special.
Hospitality has always been about people for me. It is about connection, creating experiences, building relationships and making people feel genuinely welcome. I truly love what I do because every day is different, every conversation matters, and every interaction has the opportunity to leave a lasting impression. To be able to bring that passion to London, while showcasing the warmth and spirit that Cork is so well known for, is something I do not take for granted.
Cork has such a unique personality. It is vibrant, welcoming, creative and full of character. From our incredible food scene and visitor attractions to our rich culture, music, coastline and the genuine warmth of our people, there is nowhere quite like it. We are incredibly lucky to work in an industry where we get to share that story every single day.
The upcoming event at the Embassy of Ireland in London promises to be a fantastic showcase of everything Cork has to offer. It is wonderful to see such a strong Cork delegation travelling together, representing hotels, visitor attractions, food experiences, Cork Airport, Cork Chamber and the wider tourism industry. The level of collaboration and positivity amongst everyone involved has been amazing, and it really reflects the strong sense of community that exists within Cork tourism.
With more than 90 agents expected to attend, there is huge opportunity to continue building awareness of Cork as a destination for both leisure and corporate travel. Events like this are so important because they allow us to tell Cork’s story in a personal and authentic way, directly to buyers, media and industry stakeholders.
I am especially looking forward to showcasing the hospitality experiences available at Trigon Hotels. Whether it is the timeless elegance and rich history of the Metropole Hotel in the heart of Cork city’s Victorian Quarter, or the warm welcome and convenience of Cork International Hotel, we are incredibly proud of what our teams deliver every day.
The evening itself will also celebrate Cork’s exceptional food story, with representatives including Cork on a Fork and talented chef Beth O’Brien helping to showcase the incredible produce and culinary experiences our region is known for. It will truly be a taste of Cork in London.
For me personally, this trip is a reminder of how fortunate I am to work in an industry and a city that I genuinely love. Hospitality is not just a career, it is something you feel passionate about. Being able to represent Cork, meet people from across the travel industry, and share the story of our hotels and our city is something I am incredibly grateful for.
We are all looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic evening and an exciting opportunity to further strengthen Cork’s presence within the GB market.