Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Cork County Council, Cork City Council and the Port of Cork, has announced plans to develop the Cork Harbour Tourism Plan, which aims to enhance the visitor experience and unlock the tourism potential of Cork Harbour.
The plan will identify opportunities to enhance Cork’s tourism offering and create a focal point for Cork’s maritime story, seeking to improve accessibility, capacity, interpretation, visitor facilities and visitor flow, as well as visitor experiences.
It will also include a high-level review of visitor orientation in the Cork Harbour area, with recommendations to improve transport, look at sustainable transport initiatives, and encourage a greater spread of visitors throughout the area.
Unique Tourism Offering
“The Cork Harbour Tourism Plan aims to unlock Cork Harbour’s huge potential in attracting both domestic and international visitors to the region,” said Brian O’Flynn, head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland.
“The plan will be key in enhancing the unique tourism offering in Cork Harbour, to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more, which will bring significant benefits for the local economy and community, and the wider region.
“Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Cork City and County Councils and the Port of Cork, aims to develop and deliver this ambitious plan to position Cork Harbour as a must-visit destination within Ireland’s Ancient East.”
Sustainable Tourism Development
The plan outlines a significant sustainable tourism development opportunity for Cork Harbour, which is the largest natural harbour in the Northern Hemisphere, but is currently underutilised, from a leisure tourism perspective.
Fáilte Ireland noted that there is an opportunity to increase visitor numbers to the Cork Harbour area by building on the uniqueness offered by its islands, which are supported by great on-water experiences, linking the harbour islands and harbour communities.
‘Untapped Tourism Potential’
“The Cork Harbour area has immense untapped tourism potential as the second-largest natural harbour in the world, home to a population of 72,000 people and 30,000 jobs, which coexist uniquely within this area of exceptional beauty,” said Cllr Frank O’Flynn, mayor of the County of Cork.
“The scope of this plan will identify opportunities to ensure that this area becomes a world-class visitor destination, encouraging visitors to stay a little longer, ultimately resulting in increased economic benefits to Cork Harbour and the wider East Cork area.”
