More than 400 content creators, influencers and travel writers from 30 countries are attending the annual Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX) Europe conference in Donegal - one the world's largest conferences for travel content creators.
Chief Executive of TBEX, Rick Calvert told RTÉ News that AI is the hot topic as the rules of engagement for many content creators over the past year.
Mr Calvert said major platforms such as Google are now providing AI generated responses to queries ahead of third-party web links thus holding web traffic.
"The main challenge facing creators now is figuring out how to make money with their content on the internet," he told RTÉ News.
Conference delegates have visited popular tourist sites in the north west over the past two days, while tomorrow marks the beginning of two days of engagements on the latest trends in travel content at the ATU campus in Letterkenny.
Council Tourism Manager Joy Browne believes TBEX Europe will have a ripple effect on tourism in the north west describing it "as a huge opportunity" for the region.
"We're delighted to welcome TBEX. The council led out on bidding for the conference. We’re hosting 400 of the world’s top travel writers, bloggers, writers, YouTubers and TikTokers.
"I think it’s the ripple effect of this conference that will be felt [in terms of tourism]. Each bloggers and influencer has their own audience that may be considering a holiday," Mr Browne said.
The council has organised 30 tours for the conference delegates including visits to popular scenic areas in the north west as well as organising surfing, scenic cycling, sea-stack climbing and hospitality events.
Council Chief Executive John G McLaughlin said the event is an excellent opportunity for raising awareness of a "world class tourism offering" in the north west.
Róisín Rice from the Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre said they were delighted to welcome the travel writers and content creators.
"We know we have a wonderful experience, but we want to tell the world. We’re delighted they are here and that we can show them what we can offer," she said.
This is the third time TBEX Europe has been held in Ireland, having previously been held in Killarney and Dublin.
