Fáilte Ireland has set out plans to develop visitor experiences focused on the array of gardens and historic houses in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Over the next 15 months, the national tourism development authority will work closely with industry across Ireland’s Ancient East to create compelling experiences as part of the ‘Great Houses and Gardens’ plan which will be targeted at core international markets.
More than 20 tourism attractions across Ireland’s Ancient East joined a Fáilte Ireland workshop in the Talbot Hotel in Carlow on Monday October 15, which focused on developing visitor experiences which bring to life the layers of history in big houses and gardens across the region.
Developing The Theme
Fáilte Ireland has already completed considerable work with key partners to develop the Great Houses and Gardens theme, including a study on the potential to attract more overseas visitors to the region’s gardens, the development of visitor experiences in historic houses, creation of new experiences for international tour operators, as well as a range of training and supports for attractions and businesses in the area.
The Ireland’s Ancient East team has also set out plans to create new garden events and boost the storytelling and tours at some of the region’s historic houses.
Jenny De Saulles, head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, commented, “We’ve seen a growing tourism trend in the overseas market for visiting gardens, and our own research also shows that there is great synergy between a typical ‘garden visitor’ and someone who visits historic houses and heritage assets. There is real potential for us to leverage this offer in the area alongside the region’s ‘5,000 years of history’ – which is a core part of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand.
“By working closely with the industry, we will continue to develop brilliant visitor experiences which really resonate in the international marketplace, and help us to lengthen the tourism season and increase visitor spend for many businesses.”
© 2018 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
