Fáilte Ireland has launched a new plan to help drive and sustain tourism in the Dingle Peninsula.
The aim of the plan, which is titled the "Visitor Experience Development Plan for the Dingle Peninsula", is to create a sustainable tourism destination by extending the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the Dingle Peninsula over the next five years.
Key stakeholders in the area and the local community including Kerry County Council, Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and NEWKD Leader were consulted and inputted into the plan.
"Looking To The Future Recovery Of Tourism And Hospitality"
Fáilte Ireland's head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Miriam Kennedy, stated, "Our plan, which captures the unique themes central to the Dingle Peninsula, is about looking to the future recovery of tourism and hospitality in the region. While the sector continues to be decimated by the [COVID-19] pandemic, this visitor experience development plan will be hugely important as we work towards recovery. It provides a framework for tourism businesses and stakeholders to work in partnership over the next five years to create new and improved existing visitor experiences. Local consultation and input was central to this plan, and we kicked off a programme of workshops across the region in early 2018. This collaborative approach gave local stakeholders the opportunity to contribute and shape the visitor experiences that are central to the region. When it is safe to do so, this plan will motivate both international and domestic tourists to visit the Dingle Peninsula."
"The Tools To Develop New Experiences And Enhance Existing Ones"
Meanwhile, chairperson of the Dingle Visitor Experience Development Plan Mark Murphy commented, "Building on the success of the Wild Atlantic Way and Dingle Peninsula's global reputation for stunning landscapes, the Irish language, hospitality and traditional music, this plan will provide local tourism businesses with the tools to develop new experiences and enhance existing ones, while encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more within the region."
"An Example Of How Communities Can Work Together To Achieve Sustainability"
Vice-chairperson of Dingle Visitor Experience Development Plan Deirdre de Bhailís added, "Sustainable initiatives on the Dingle Peninsula have recently been showcased by the UN's Regional Information Centre for western Europe as an example of how communities can work together to achieve sustainability for the future. The Visitor Experience Development Plan is a key part of this and presents an ideal opportunity to shape a tourism industry that both protects and shares the beauty of Corca Dhuibhne for all to enjoy."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
