Fighting fund aims to put Galway top of tourists’ list

Date Published: 18-Feb-2010

A fighting fund of at least €90,000 is being created to market Galway City as Ireland’s leading hotspot for shopping, entertainment and all-round value break destination.

Mayor Declan McDonnell is spearheading an initiative to create a separate marketing strategy for the city to entice visitors during the quieter months.Galway City Council has set aside €30,000 in its annual budget to kick off the fund.

The local branch of the Irish Hotel Federation has committed to putting in a further €25,000. The Galway City Business Association will discuss the possibility of a contribution at its AGM next Monday.

Fáilte Ireland has also indicated that it would be willing to match whatever funds are being put up to create a decent fund for the marketing drive.

While the city features on its national advertising campaigns, the idea is to focus totally on the city as a destination in its own right, holding it up as Ireland’s leading centre for shopping and entertainment as well as perfect destination for a day out or weekend break.

“We want the key partners to come together to give us ideas on how to promote the city. The Latin Quarter did a festival at Halloween, we want to expand something like that across the city. We’re also trying to open up a bigger Christmas market, not just the vegetable market that’s there, and promote Galway as the place to come for a real Christmas atmosphere,” said Mayor McDonnell.

“We’re really focusing on promoting activities in the quieter months of February, March, October and November.

Read more in today’s Galway City Tribune