I’m Siobhán Burke and I established Wordhoard in 2010 when I began working with West Cork communities on their tourism strategies.
My background is in Higher Education, rather than tourism!
After writing a Ph.D. focused on 20th-century Irish literature, I had worked as a lecturer and researcher at Trinity College, Dublin; Staffordshire University; and other HE institutions. I had also gained lots of experience of project management.
But, it was my family’s 2008 move to West Cork which introduced me to an industry in which story-telling, communication, and strategic thinking all have powerful roles to play!
Tourism and Recovery
In HE, I had become heavily involved in the project to widen access to higher education for people from marginalised communities. The skills I had developed in that area quickly proved useful as communities worked to harness the potential of tourism and the Wild Atlantic Way.
I have continued to work with local groups and events while also collaborating with businesses and organisations across Ireland.
And a commitment to including and empowering individuals and communities has been at the heart of everything Wordhoard has been involved in over the last ten years.
Developing Sustainable Tourism
Responsible tourism development involves a capacity for strategic thinking and a realistic assessment of the opportunities and threats tourism can pose to communities and the environment.
It draws on grassroots insights, and its strategies need to be owned and acted on by communities themselves. It requires creative thinking and an ability to engage with the world from the visitor’s point of view.
Much of our work at Wordhoard is focused on helping small businesses and communities to make the most of the opportunities created by tourism brands like the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East.
Today, we offer tourism consultancy services to a range of tourism businesses and organisations across Ireland, helping them to develop coherent and attractive strategies for growth.
We keep editing international relations work too as part of our broader commitment to empower marginalised people across the global community. Editing international relations, is – it turns out – one way to feel like you have travelled the world!
Recent Speaking/Training Workshop Engagements
- “Activating the Vikings” (Waterford, December 2019)
- Craft Visitor Experience Development Workshop (Cavan, November 2019)
- “Ways to Maximise Tourism Around Norman Heritage Sites” (Wexford, March 2019)
- “Sustaining Tourism Through Experience Development” (Máire Ní Síthigh Autumn School, Courtmacsherry, October 2018)
- “Developing Craft Tourism – Global & Local Perspectives” (Laois, October 2018)
Siobhán works at lightning pace and her enthusiasm is matched by her excellent knowledge of the Irish tourism industry and offer. She brings creativity, passion and unmatched editorial skills to all her projects. Whether you are writing grant proposals, interpretation or devising regional brand offers, Siobhán will hone and develop your work to perfection. she is also a pleasure to work with and her infectious enthusiasm for product development builds confidence and engagement in your team.
Brenda Comerford (Irish Heritage Trust, Johnstown Castle)