New Web Support Initiative Launched For Tourism Industry

Fáilte Ireland develop support service to assist tourism enterprises achieve business improvement
 
Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, today launched a new web support initiative aimed at assisting tourism SMEs in the area of e-Business and web development. This initiative is part of a broader e-business strategy designed to support SMEs in developing their e-business capability. Last year 56% of tourists who came to Ireland used the internet to plan their holiday and this is predicted to increase to 75% by 2010.
Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism who launched the new initiative said “A broad range of tourism activities will be targeted for this initiative which will be rolled out in the period to 2010. Over this three year period, it is anticipated that Fáilte Ireland will invest over €3 million in supporting and improving the web presence of over 3,000 small and medium sized businesses throughout the Irish tourism industry.”
 
He continued “This entire initiative, which has evolved through research and extensive consultation with the industry, will make a very significant and positive impact on the way tourism SMEs approach the world of internet business. I have no doubt it will make an enormous contribution to improving the effective marketing and management of our national tourism product in a highly competitive marketplace. ”   
 
The first phase of the e-Business Support Initiative involves “WEB-CHECK”. IT specialist consultants are deployed to work onsite with individual enterprises in identifying e-Business needs and providing guidance towards the appropriate solutions. The participating businesses will gain practical advice from a mentor who will help them through the process and enhance the efficiency of their businesses to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Where appropriate the specialist will agree specific improvement measures to be implemented during the second phase of the initiative.  
 
On a national basis there are currently 200 small businesses actively taking part in ‘WEB-CHECK’. The businesses involved reflect the broad spectrum of the tourism industry with B&Bs, self catering, equestrian, activity, golf, hotels and attractions all engaged in the initiative. Feedback to date has been very positive with many businesses beginning to really appreciate the power of the web.
 
WEB-BUILD, the second phase of the initiative, will allow for the implementation of the agreed improvement measures and will involve delivering improvements to web-site functionality, on-line sales and e-marketing campaigns.    The final phase, WEB-SKILLS, will provide additional training support to continue strengthening the SME’s web presence.    
 
The Fáilte Ireland e-Business development support service project is being offered on a first come first served basis. You can register using the following options:

Online registration at www.failteireland.ie/performanceplus and click on web development
Email webdevproject.registration@failteireland.ie
Telephone 1850 256 256

ENDS

For further information please contact:
Fáilte Ireland – Mary Cosgrave – 01 8847145/087 2260411

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