The Curragh Racecourse in Co. Kildare was the setting for a Fáilte Ireland-hosted thoroughbred industry workshop on Wednesday 16 February to kick-start Fáilte Ireland's Thoroughbred Country Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP).
Details
Members of the tourism and thoroughbred industries in counties Kildare and Tipperary including trainers' yards, stud farms and jockey schools gathered to commence the implementation of the plan, with 16 February's workshop being the first in a series of workshops and events to drive the plan throughout 2022.
The Thoroughbred Country DEDP, which was launched in partnership with Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, is a new five year development experience plan for the region that will bring to life the thoroughbred horse tradition, the horse people, their crafts and Ireland's breeding heritage. The aim of the plan is to develop new tourism experiences within existing thoroughbred businesses in the region.
The visitor experiences, which will include attractions such as behind-the-scenes tours, will be developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with industry stakeholders over eight months. Industry members will be offered mentorship to develop saleable tourism experiences for their businesses, driving visitor numbers and enhancing the thoroughbred tourism offering in the area.
Statement By Head Of Ireland's Ancient East At Fáilte Ireland
Head of Ireland's Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland Brian O'Flynn stated, "It is great to kick-off the implementation of the Thoroughbred Country DEDP with this workshop, attended by many key stakeholders from the tourism and thoroughbred industries in Tipperary and Kildare. The heritage and legacy of the thoroughbred is a hugely significant part of the tourism offering for Kildare and Tipperary and the country as a whole. We look forward to working with industry in the region to develop a suite of unique and exciting tourism products that will increase visitor numbers, dwell time and visitor revenue to Kildare and Tipperary."
Statement By Thoroughbred Country Coordinator
Speaking at the event on 16 February, Thoroughbred Country Coordinator Laura Magee stated, "This workshop is a great opportunity for the thoroughbred industry to collaborate with tourism colleagues and create experiences that will share the unique thoroughbred stories and culture with a wider audience. This is the beginning of an exciting journey the industry is looking forward to undertaking and we look forward to working with Fáilte Ireland and industry members across Kildare and Tipperary as we develop these experiences."
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