Fáilte Ireland has announced the launch of 'The Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP).'
The plan aims to create and develop a sustainable tourism destination across this part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, by extending the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the region over the next five years.
"This five-year Destination and Experience Development Plan is an exciting development framework that captures the distinctive themes of the Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne and Border area, and outlines key initiatives which will help unlock the tourism potential of this region," said Paul Kelly, Fáilte Ireland CEO.
The plan was developed in consultation with key stakeholders including Cavan County Council, Leitrim County Council, Roscommon County Council, Waterways Ireland, the three County Local Development Companies, local tourism businesses, and local communities.
It identifies a range of key initiatives that are designed to raise awareness of the destination, increase the length of stay in the area, expand the range and quality of visitor experiences, strengthen the value of tourism to local communities and protect the quality, character and distinctiveness of the local environment, heritage and culture.
"It will build on a number of significant capital investment projects supported by Fáilte Ireland in the area, including The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre, and ongoing work at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park," said Kelly.
"It also identifies new investment opportunities around the Shannon, Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the Beara Breifne Way, as well in the forest parks, lakelands and heritage and cultural gems that make this region so unique."
