Fáilte Ireland has launched a new five-year plan to help drive and sustain tourism on Co. Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula.
Details
According to a statement published on FailteIreland.ie, the aim of the Inishowen Peninsula Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) is to create a sustainable tourism destination through an expansion of the tourism season and the spreading of business across every part of the region over the next half decade.
Statements
The statement published on FailteIreland.ie quoted Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD as saying, "I am pleased to officially launch the Inishowen Peninsula Destination and Experience Development Plan today which will bolster the sustainability of tourism on the peninsula and will encourage visitors to stay for longer in the area. Extending the tourism season will not only strengthen individual businesses but will create new entrepreneurial opportunities - sustaining and increasing job creation and boosting the attractiveness of the area for other forms of economic growth. This plan will make a real difference to communities and businesses on the Inishowen peninsula"
The statement published on FailteIreland.ie quoted director of regional development at Fáilte Ireland Paul Keeley as saying, "This destination and experience development plan, which captures the unique themes central to the Inishowen Peninsula, is about looking to the future of tourism in the area and will be hugely important as we work to spread the benefit of tourism across County Donegal. As part of the plan, Fáilte Ireland and Donegal County Council have invested €12.3 million in Fort Dunree through our Platforms for Growth investment scheme for the development of a compelling visitor experience that will showcase its considerable maritime, military, social and political history, telling engaging stories that visitors can share with their friends and family. Over the first five years of operation the project is estimated to generate €19.5 million in direct tourism expenditure supporting 550 jobs in the area. Developments like this have the potential to transform and re-imagine Inishowen's domestic and international appeal."
The statement published on FailteIreland.ie quoted Donegal County Council chief executive John G. McLaughlin as saying, "I am delighted to see the Inishowen Peninsula Destination and Experience Development Plan being launched here today. It is a great example of how collaboration is the key to building a sustainable tourism industry here in Donegal and will drive the economic growth north of Galway and as far as us here in the north-west region. The plan provides us with a collective vision for the area and creates a platform for new levels of collaboration between tourism businesses and stakeholders to work in partnership over the next five years to create new and improved existing visitor experiences."
The statement published on FailteIreland.ie quoted Fort Dunree chairman John McCarter as saying, "The Wild Atlantic Way continues to be a phenomenal success and this plan gives us the opportunity as tourism businesses to capitalise on the popularity of the route and by enticing visitors to come to Donegal and Inishowen particularly in the off-peak season and stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and experience everything the peninsula has to offer."
