European Outdoor Conference Coming To Newcastle

Nature and Sports Euro'meet 2015 will take place in Newcastle, County Down, September 30th-October 2nd.

International bookings for the 3rd Nature and Sports Euro'meet conference have begun, as outdoor recreation decision makers grab the opportunity to enjoy the attractions of Newcastle and the wider Mourne area.

Conference organisers Newry, Mourne & Down District Council and Sport Northern Ireland are hopeful that the event will attract 300 delegates from across Ireland, the UK and Europe.

The conference will provide a platform for delegates to learn about local examples of best practice in outdoor recreation and share their own experiences with local providers. There are two key themes throughout the conference - increasing participation for all in outdoor sports, and maximising the economic benefits that outdoor sports bring to a region.

The programme has been developed by Newry, Mourne & Down District Council - supported by Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Mourne Heritage Trust and the National Trust. At an international level the programme development has been led by the French Ministry of Sport in partnership with Sport Northern Ireland and other members of the European Network of Outdoor Sport (ENOS).

Chair of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Cllr Naomi Bailie welcomed the opportunity to host European visitors, "Bringing the Euro'meet to Newcastle and developing the programme and logistics has been a tremendous example of partnership working both at a local and international level. The conference (30 Sept-02 Oct) will provide a great opportunity to share our experiences of developing outdoor recreation in the Mournes, and showcase the wonderful natural resources that we are so proud of. Importantly, it also provides an opportunity to learn from others across Europe, as Northern Ireland seeks to further develop a culture of dynamic sustainable outdoor recreation."

The conference programme will include a key note speaker from the Directorate General for Education and Culture in the European Commission as well as experts and those who can share success stories from across Europe. Workshops, discussions and plenary sessions will enable creative learning and sharing of information while a fantastic array of site visits in the Mournes area will showcase what is being done to develop outdoor activities there and facilitate informal networking.

For more information and book a delegate or exhibition space, visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/Euro-meet