AVEA members are made up of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (VEAs) on the island of Ireland.  Members include historic sites, visitor heritage centres, museums and galleries, visitor gardens, zoos/aquarian/open farms, natural attractions, brand experiences, heritage/leisure parks and theme parks, and other business types that qualify as attractions or experiences.

Our membership year runs from 1^st September to 31^st August.  Applications for membership are open year-round.

The benefits of being part of a professional membership organisation are many.  Our members find particular value in the knowledge network we have created of like-minded business managers located across the island.  Our in-person member events include our Annual Conference (October) and three Member Forums.  We also hold information webinars throughout the year, often in partnership with outside experts.  Participation in our Annual Member Business Survey is a condition of membership.  This is conducted in Q1 each year by an independent body, and the resultant report is considered to be the most comprehensive piece of research on the VEA sector, and an invaluable benchmarking tool.  We conduct advocacy year-round to shine a spotlight on our sector, and to optimise tourism conditions to ensure our continued and future success.  We work with third-level and further education institutions to support education and career options in VEAs, including work placements, and courses of interest to our members. We are an important conduit of information to members on wider tourism matters affecting our sector.  As an Association, we have created a culture of collaboration and information-sharing, and our membership ethos is one of positive collegiality and problem-solving.

Our fee structure is based on annual visitor footfall.  We have five categories of membership, as detailed below.

To apply for membership, please complete this form. New applications will be submitted to the AVEA Board for consideration, and a decision will be communicated promptly.

Businesses which are stakeholders of or suppliers to VEAs are welcome to contact AVEA to discuss our Platinum Partner Programme.