Fáilte Ireland looking for local input as it works to develop a “Visitor Experience Development Plan” for the area from Kinsale to Ballydehob
Local tourism businesses, tourism and community group members, as well as all other interested parties and individuals, are invited by Fáilte Ireland to take part in a series of workshops running from 14th to 21st February across the Haven Coast area.
The workshops will concentrate on pulling together stories, ideas, and opportunities that could be used to boost tourism in the area. The findings from the workshops will feed into a plan - a Visitor Experience Development Plan - which will outline ways to improve the benefits of tourism for all communities in the area.
Events and dates:
Thursday 14th February - Casey’s of Baltimore Hotel 11.30 –1.30pm
Friday 15th February - West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen 1– 3pm
Monday 18th February - Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery 6 – 8pm
Tuesday 19th February - Emmet Hotel, Clonakilty 1– 3pm
Wednesday 20th February - Courtmacsherry Hotel 11.30 – 1.30pm
Thursday 21st February - Trident Hotel, Kinsale 6 – 8pm
Anybody wishing to attend any of the industry workshops can confirm attendance by emailing Carmel Barry, Fáilte Ireland, carmel.barry@failteireland.ie or calling 021-4233215. Anyone who cannot attend a meeting but would like to make a contribution to the discussion, can also submit their ideas to carmel.barry@failteireland.ie.
This Visitor Experience Development Plan will ultimately enable continued growth in visitor numbers, dwell time and spend, helping to extend the tourism season and spread business across all parts of the area; Kinsale, Ballinspittle, Killbrittian, Timoleague, Courtrmacsherry & The Seven Heads, Clonakilty, Roscarberry, Union Hall, Skibereen, Castletownend, Baltimore & The Islands (Cape Clear, Sherkin & Heir).
Similar plans have been developed successfully for the Skellig Coast and the Connemara Coast and Aran islands and a plan is also in progress for the Three Heads region in Cork taking in the Beara, Sheep’s Head and Mizen peninsulas as well as Dursey, Bere, Garnish, Whiddy and Long islands.
Miriam Kennedy, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way, explained:
“Local consultation and input is essential if we are going to produce a plan that works for the visitor and for the local economy. We look forward to welcoming people to our workshops to hear the ideas they have to offer and we would encourage as many interested parties as possible to attend.”
The development of the plan will be assisted by external experts appointed by Fáilte Ireland who will bring the benefit of their international experience to the process. The deliberations will also involve key stakeholders and the widest possible range of local tourism stakeholders. Everyone with ideas and knowledge to share is welcome to the planned workshops.
The Visitor Experience Development Plan forms part of a bigger process that is seeking to increase visitor numbers on the Wild Atlantic Way with a particular focus on increasing the time and money they spend in areas that have capacity for growth.
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