Businesses in Skellig are looking to develop and improve the tourism offering on Skellig Coast, with Failte Ireland commenting that "it is imperative that we provide visitors with alternative experiences [to Skellig Michael]" due to the site facing limitations on daily visitor numbers, "which may be further restricted by weather".
Skellig's appearance in Star Wars: The Force Awakens has helped the area have its most successful tourist season in 2016, however Skellig Michael faces limitation issues regarding the number of people that can visit as well as a short visitor season, reports the Irish Examiner.
Fáilte Ireland has been looking to capitalise on the area's tourism appeal with the launch of a visitor experience plan for the Skellig Coast area - designed to increase dwell time in the area's wider region - as well as the launch of a number of projects based on themes such as 'Journeys Inspired by the history of the Skellig Monks'. A Skellig Coast Tourism Network has also been launched for the tourism, community, business and development groups that fall within the defined catchment area.
Other planned projects will include pushing the area's local Gaeltacht, allowing for visitors to hear and speak Irish as well as learning Irish music; as well as the addition of a food tourism route.
Fáilte Ireland said: “Through the current exposure from Star Wars, there is more and more interest in Skellig Michael from international visitors. Given the importance of Skellig Michael to this area and its limitations on daily visitor numbers, which may be further restricted by weather, it is imperative that we provide visitors with alternative experiences.”
