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At the meeting of Fáilte Ireland and representatives of the Kerry tourism industry in the Malton Hotel, Killarney,on Thursday were, from left, Josephine O’Driscoll, Fáilte Ireland, Helena Switzer, Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, CEO, Kerry County Council, John Griffin, Kerry Tourism Officer, Kerry County Council, Joan McCarthy, Tourism Development Executive, Kerry County Council. Photo by Valerie O’Sullivan
FÁILTE Ireland met with representatives of the Kerry tourism industry in the Malton Hotel, Killarney on Thursday to discuss the recent performance of tourism in the South West.
The body also presented Fáilte Ireland’s outlook for the year ahead and outlined the tourism authority’s plans for the year ahead.
The meeting heard that 2015 was a good year for tourism across the entire west coast which welcomed 3.8 million overseas visitors – a growth of 9% over last year. Fáilte Ireland CEO Shaun Quinn explained this increase was particularly boosted by a strong growth in leisure visitors and holidaymakers.
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Speaking at the meeting, Mr Quinn said: “This year has turned out to be even better than expected with growth witnessed all along the west coast and from each of our key overseas markets. We fully expect this growth to continue into 2016 but we can’t take it for granted and must continue to work together to ensure we can continue to provide visitors with unique experiences and value for money.”
Fáilte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fiona Monaghan, presented the organisation’s plans for developing the Wild Atlantic Way in 2016 which include an emphasis on growing international awareness of the Wild Atlantic Way as well as further developing compelling and motivating visitor experiences.
The range of dedicated supports available to assist tourism businesses in the next twelve months was also outlined at the meeting – including marketing, digital and sales supports as well as a number of new programmes and initiatives being announced for 2016.
Mr Quinn continued: “The Wild Atlantic Way has swiftly captured the imagination of many at home and abroad but there is a lot more to do if we are to further raise international awareness of the brand and ensure that the initiative becomes the compelling reason for many more overseas visitors to choose Ireland as a destination. There is also great potential in lengthening the tourism year with plenty more business to be won outside of the main holiday season. In 2016, Fáilte Ireland will be supporting local businesses to increase visitors, revenue and jobs throughout the region.”
