Tourism chiefs reveal blueprint to build on boom

TOURISM chiefs have revealed their strategy to increase revenue and visitor numbers in the west next year – extend the season and steer more tourists off the beaten track.

That’s what Fáilte Ireland will focus on, on the back of a very successful 2016 season when overseas visitors were up by 13%, and research showed strong growth from North America, Great Britain, Germany and France.

Given the huge uncertainty caused by the election of Donald Trump and Brexit, industry players will be heartened to see a big upswing of tourists from new markets coming out of recession such as Italy and Spain, who are showing a strong interest in venturing to the west of Ireland.

Fáilte Ireland is developing two major visitor experience plans for the Connemara and Burren areas to ensure that those who interact with tourists as well as communities work together for the best possible time for visitors.

Those plans, to be drawn up over the next two to three years, will focus on how to get tourists to spend more and stay longer on the Wild Atlantic Way, explained the head of the Wild Atlantic Way Fiona Monaghan.

“We will look at mobilising people to work together across accommodation providers, attractions, activities, retail outlets, cafes and petrol stations and provide business supports to improve the visitor experience. In the longer term we will be looking at capital supports,” she stated.

“We have an issue with places shutting down from mid-September. It’s a chicken and egg situation – if they stay open longer we can knowledgably package more visits but if they’re closed less people will come.”

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.