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Manchester, United Kingdom — 22-25 September 2009

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Welcome to our newest member – Wild Atlantic Hostel @ Delphi Resort

Dec 20, 2018

Interview with Cathriona Gibbons – Hostel Sales Manager

Tell us your story. How did Wild Atlantic Hostel @ Delphi Resort get started?

The first hostel here at Delphi resort was opened over 30 years ago along with the adventure centre to encourage the domestic youth travel market to experience the beautiful landscape through our outdoor educational programmes.

What makes Wild Atlantic Hostel @ Delphi Resort different from your competitors?

Our location – we are in a beautiful and remote part of Connemara right along the Wild Atlantic Way. Our facilities on site means there is never a dull moment – you can zipline down from the forest just in time to make an appointment in our Spa for a signature seaweed bath, or kayak along the Killary Fjord to witness unparalleled views.  We are also perfectly located from which to explore the surrounding area with major attractions such as Kylemore Abbey, Connemara national park, Killary Fjord, Doolough Valley Famine Memorial, Croagh Patrick and Westport town, all within a short drive from the resort.

What is your favourite success story from your organisation?

The sustained growth of our domestic school tours market over the past 30 years – with over 95% repeat guest rates – has seen Delphi Resort become the market leaders in outdoor education in Ireland.

What can we expect to see from Wild Atlantic Hostel @ Delphi Resort in the future?

We will continue to improve our range of educational outdoor programmes to include new activities and modules to suit the diverse needs of our client groups.  We expect to experience significant growth in the international and independent travel market to the resort in the coming years.  Our newly opened (March 2018), state-of-the art 206 bed hostel accommodation provides us with the capacity and facilities to focus on growing these markets and we are delighted to be able to do so.

Which trends do you see in educational and active youth travel?  

According to a 2014 study published by Skift and StudentUniverse, “The student traveller represents fully one-fifth of all international arrivals in the travel industry”, commanding “a market value of some $320 billion.”  Our experience is that demand from the educational and active youth travel sector continues to grow strongly, with travellers seeking unique experiences that are educational, and allows them to immerse themselves in local, cultural experiences.  Also, the average length of stay is lengthening, average booking time is shortening and ease of mobile bookings continuing to be an important factor.

How do you work to ensure the health and safety of young travellers involved with Wild Atlantic Hostel @ Delphi Resort?

We operate to the strictest EU Standards for all endeavours offered at Delphi Resort.  We provide 24hr supervision by qualified, certified instructors.  Our reputation as Ireland’s leading provider of outdoor education to the youth sector over the past 30 years has been built on our commitment to safety, quality, training and continuous process improvement.

What was your motivation to join WYSE Travel Confederation?

The opening of our Wild Atlantic Hostel provides us with additional capacity and allows us to offer modern, state-of-the-art facilities to new markets and welcome a wider range of guests to our amazing location.

Have you attended a WYSE Travel Confederation event? (World Youth and Student Travel Conference, STAY WYSE, WYSE Exchange Australia, WETM-IAC) If so, what was your experience with the event?

 STAY WYSE 2019 will be our first event and we are very much looking forward to it.

What is an industry challenge your organisation is facing at this time?

Brexit will pose challenges for the business with the UK being our closest market.  However, our stunning location in the heart of the Delphi valley and our unique product offering of accommodation, activities, restaurant, bar and spa on site, make us ideally suited to the mainland European visitor seeking to explore and experience Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

For more information, visit: Wild Atlantic Hostel

Member snapshot

Delphi Resort is set on a 300 acre site located in the heart of the scenically breathtaking Delphi Valley, near Leenane, Co. Galway, Ireland. Our resort combines our brand new state of the art welcome standard approved hostel accommodation, stunning four star hotel, award winning spa, along with adventure centre and business conference facilities. The resort is nestled amongst the scenic splendours along the Wild Atlantic Way. Delphi Resort provides indoor and outdoor adventure activities for corporate organisations, elite sports teams, tour groups and individuals seeking adventure, relaxation and excellent food within some of the most awe – inspiring scenery in the world.

Membership: WYSE Travel Confederation Associate Member

 

Join WYSE Travel Confederation

If you’d like to join WYSE Travel Confederation and benefit from new connections, free access to industry research, informative webinar sessions, discounts on industry events and brand exposure within the youth and student travel industry, click below to view our membership options and find out more.