Ireland has been chosen to host the Adventure Travel World Summit in Killarney next year, which will provide almost $1.3 million to the Irish economy.

This news was announced this weekend by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) along with Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Leo Varadkar, who described this prestigious conference win as a high profile marketing opportunity for Ireland.

Approximately 650 tour operators, media, agents and tourism agencies will attend the Killarney conference next October to discuss and debate the fast-growing activity travel sector.

The direct economic impact for the Irish economy from hosting such a global summit will be almost €1m, and the marketing, industry education and global business connectivity value it will provide will also be significant.

Fáilte Ireland CEO Shaun Quinn today stressed the potential the adventure travel sector provides Ireland emphasising, “Hiking, cycling, water sports and other activities are all becoming increasingly popular with overseas travellers – particularly Europeans and especially in one of our key markets, Germany. With our new touring route, the Wild Atlantic Way, becoming operational next year, the conference will also be a timely opportunity to market it to key influencers in international markets and increase international visitor numbers.”

The ATTA prides itself in being the leader in adventure tourism globally and in the forefront of promoting the sector through media and bloggers internationally.

Speaking about their decision to bring the summit to Ireland, ATTA President Shannon Stowell said, "We have been working with Ireland for many years now. They have not only been incredible ambassadors for the global adventure tourism community, their collaborative approach and dedication to sustainable economic development made the 2014 Adventure Travel World Summit decision easy. Tour operators in Ireland are poised to succeed and will be ready to showcase adventure activities and cultural immersive experiences that are distinctively Irish."