Another 500,000 tourists

Date Published: 30-Nov-2007

The tourism sector in Galway City is set to receive a major boost following the launch of a new strategy that aims to attract over 500,000 extra holiday visitors to the west each year and increase revenues in the industry by over 26% by 2010.

The “Failte Ireland West Regional Development Plan 2008-2010” is the first development plan of its kind for the West of Ireland that aims to enhance and further develop tourism in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon through better co-operation and partnerships between local authorities, state agencies, LEADER companies, businesses and local community groups.

The Plan will also exploit the region’s potential by “aggressive marketing” of the region at home and abroad.

The three-year strategy is “very ambitious” according to Ray Rooney, Chairman of the Western Regional Development Board who officially launched the plan yesterday in the Ardilaun hotel.

However, he is confident that the targets can be achieved “if both private and public sectors work together”.

Mr. Rooney said……