Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, marked the tenth anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way this week at Meitheal, a trade event for the Irish tourism industry.
The Wild Atlantic Way, the tourism brand developed by Fáilte Ireland in response to the global financial crash, was launched to the tourism industry at Meitheal in 2014, and, over the last decade, has become a globally recognised tourism brand.
‘A Vision’
“Ten years ago, a vision for the future of tourism in Ireland was launched – a route that stretched for 2,500 kilometres along our rugged Atlantic Coast,” said Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
“This is now a household name and cements Ireland’s reputation as a must-visit tourism destination, and I commend Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland on their work in driving this success over the last ten years.”
Supporting 121,000 Jobs
According to a new report launched this week, nearly two million more visitors visited the Wild Atlantic Way in 2023, compared to 2013.
Tourism is now worth €3 billion per year on the Wild Atlantic Way – an increase of 59% on 2013 – and this growth has contributed to the creation of an additional 35,000 jobs, with tourism now supporting 121,000 jobs across the region.
‘Transformative Impact’
“We are proud to mark the tenth anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way at Meitheal this year, and reflect on a brand that has had a truly transformative impact on the economy of the west coast,” said Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland.
“The Wild Atlantic Way generates employment and revenue for businesses and communities from Malin Head to Kinsale, and continues to be a key motivator for domestic and international visitors.”
Meitheal
Meitheal, which has been running since 1975, gets under way today at the Gleneagle INEC in Killarney, Co. Kerry, and will see over 380 Irish tourism partners pitch to 241 international buyers and tour operators from around the world.
Throughout this week, international buyers have been experiencing first-hand the tourism product of Ireland ahead of attending Meitheal. Tourism experiences from across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Dublin, were included on bespoke itineraries designed by Fáilte Ireland, with the objective of showcasing the best of the Irish tourism offering and showcasing the unique holiday experience that awaits visitors to Ireland.
