Minister for transport, tourism and sport Shane Ross has launched Fáilte Ireland’s new Platforms for Growth initiative, which will "transform the tourism landscape across the country", according to Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly.
The initiative is Fáilte Ireland’s largest programme of investment to date and forms part of the national tourism development authority's Grants Scheme for Large Tourism Projects, which runs up to 2022.
Major new visitor attractions of scale will be developed and existing attractions will be greatly enhanced through Platforms for Growth, with Fáilte Ireland making individual grants available for large-scale visitor attractions of €2.5 million upwards.
The initiative is funded under the government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy with the aim of driving sustainable growth in the Irish tourism sector, as well as higher revenue and job creation around Ireland.
The first "platform" will focus on developing immersive heritage and cultural attractions. Further platforms will be announced over the course of the programme.
"Exactly As The Name Suggests"
Commenting on the new initiative, Ross said, "Tourism has experienced significant growth in recent years and having world-class attractions has been fundamental in attracting visitors from around the globe to Ireland. 'Platforms for Growth' will deliver on the government’s Project Ireland 2040 objectives, and it will do exactly as the name suggests – provide a platform that will contribute significantly to a growth in visitor numbers and the development of tourism nationwide. I look forward to visiting the world-class attractions that will be developed through this major investment programme. This will put Ireland on an even stronger footing in the international marketplace."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
