Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta have formed a new tourism strategic partnership after signing a Memorandum of Understanding detailing their commitment to making the Gaeltacht experience appealing, accessible and relevant to visitors. Through this formal agreement, the organisations will work together across a number of priority areas for tourism development including capital projects, building capacity within the tourism industry and supporting the development of tourism products to showcase the unique cultural offering of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions.
Welcoming the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, said, “both Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta are leaders in pursuing national policy objectives in relation to regional development, with a specific focus on optimising opportunities to leverage the development of tourism and the Irish language and culture. Our Gaeltacht regions offer visitors a unique cultural experience rich in music, language, art and dance – this Memorandum of Understanding sets out a framework for the two organisations to deliver on common objectives and will be significant for the development of tourism in the Gaeltacht regions.”
Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland, said, “this is about looking to the future of tourism in our Gaeltacht regions. This formal Memorandum of Understanding will strengthen the existing relationship that has been built up between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fáilte Ireland over recent years and will be hugely important as we work towards recovery. We look forward to continuing to work together to align our strategic priorities to enhance the visitor experience and increase dwell time in these regions, supporting revenue generation and job creation in local communities.”
Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Officer of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said, “Údarás na Gaeltachta are delighted to establish this Memorandum of Understanding with Fáilte Ireland to establish a Strategic Partnership and we look forward to ensuring a mutually beneficial working arrangement for many years ahead. This is a very important partnership and will allow both organisations to enhance our cooperation and achieve common aims and objectives in terms of tourism development in the Gaeltacht. The strategic development of tourism in the Gaeltacht is one the key priorities outlined in our 2021-2025 Gaeltacht Strategic Plan and following the COVID-19 emergency it is most welcome that both organisations will be strategically aligned in assisting the Gaeltacht tourism industry in its recovery and to contributing towards Ireland’s overall tourism product.”
Source: Fáilte Ireland