Fáilte Ireland has launched a new five-year plan that that aims to drive and sustain tourism in Co. Sligo at The Model, Home of the Niland Collection Sligo.
The Sligo Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) aims to progress a range of initiatives that will disperse tourists across the wider destination and strengthen the value of tourism to the local community by providing sustainable employment opportunities.
Priority Projects
Fáilte Ireland said the five-year plan provides a 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 experiences that seek to maximise the key strengths of the area.
The plan builds on the ambition of the Wild Atlantic Way Regional Tourism Development Strategy and builds on a number of existing destination development projects that aims to bring local experiences to life including the National Surf Centre Strandhill, a National Mountain Bike Centre in Coolaney, and new state-of-the-art facilities for outdoor water-based activities at Enniscrone and Rosses Point.
'Adventure Capital'
"One of the key pillars called out in the plan is capitalising on Sligo’s opportunity to by recognised as the outdoor activity and adventure capital of the Wild Atlantic Way," said Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland.
"Fáilte Ireland has invested in a range of capital investment projects to help drive this ambition including the National Surf Centre in Strandhill, a National Mountain Bike Centre in Coolaney and water-based activities facilities at Enniscrone and Rosses Point."
Key Stakeholders
Key stakeholders in the area were consulted and contributed to the plan including Sligo County Council, the Destination Sligo Forum, tourism businesses and community groups.
A representative working group drawn from across the tourism sector in County Sligo was a key partner in the development of the plan.
'Collaborative Approach'
"Local consultation and input was central, and this collaborative approach provided local stakeholders with the opportunity to contribute and shape the plan," said Kelly.
"We are confident that this DEDP has the potential to significantly increase Sligo’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."
