Fáilte Ireland has launched a new five-year plan that will help drive and sustain tourism in West Cork and Kenmare at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery, Co. Cork.
The West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) aims to create a sustainable tourism destination by extending the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the region over the next five years.
Key stakeholders in the area were consulted and contributed to the plan including Cork County Council, Kerry County Council, Pure Cork, local development companies and local tourism marketing groups, tourism operators and local community groups.
The development of the five-year plan provides a shared vision and clear direction towards improved development, strengthening the promotion of the area’s unique features by growing the destination’s market share through the delivery of Priority Projects and hero experiences that seek to maximise the key strengths of the area.
The plan builds on a number of existing destination development projects that will bring local experiences to life including improved facilities for walking, hiking and water activities, the implementation of the Beara Breifne Way Masterplan, and the Kinsale Start/End of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Food in Tourism Action Plan aims to position West Cork and Kenmare as a premier national and international artisan food and drink destination. The DEDP also features plans to develop an integrated transport system and all-weather experiences to help extend the length of the tourism season.
Speaking at the launch, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland Paul Keeley said, “this five-year Destination and Experience Development Plan captures the unique themes that are central to West Cork and Kenmare and features key priority projects which will transform the tourism offering across the region. The implementation of the Beara Breifne Way Masterplan, the Food in Tourism Action Plan and the development of outdoor and all-weather experiences will further strengthen West Cork and Kenmare’s reputation as an internationally compelling destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. Fáilte Ireland is committed to and focused on the sustainable development of tourism across Ireland which is an important economic driver and source of employment. We are confident that this DEDP has the potential to significantly increase West Cork and Kenmare’s domestic and international appeal, and grow the visitor economy to create sustainable, high-quality jobs in the sector that will serve to support and strengthen local communities.”
The West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan has been developed through a collaborative approach and will be dependent on local tourism businesses, stakeholders and local communities working with Fáilte Ireland to implement this plan over next five years. Read the full West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan here.
Source: Fáilte Ireland
