Fáilte Ireland has launched four new Regional Tourism Development Strategies 2023-2027 which will provide a framework for sustainable tourism development across Ireland.

The Regional Tourism Strategies for Ireland’s Ancient East, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Dublin were launched at Mount Congreve Gardens, Waterford.

The Regional Tourism Development Strategies outline a vision for tourism which contain a five-year strategic framework for the sustainable development of Fáilte Ireland’s regional brands. By capitalising on the uniqueness of each brand they set a clear path ahead for the development of new and enhanced visitor experiences, building greater capacity and capability into the industry, and provide a clear strategy for attracting visitors that will stay longer and spend more. Currently, there are 120 outdoor enhancement projects and 27 large scale attractions in development that are set to come on stream over the next five years.

Commenting on the launch of the strategies, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD, said, “I welcome the publication of Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Tourism Strategies, which will improve visitors’ experiences in destinations in every county in Ireland, supporting tourism and enabling regional economies to thrive. With the support of Government and my department, the cooperation of Local Authorities, the tourism industry and local communities, these strategies will play a key role in improving the social, cultural and economic contribution of tourism across Ireland’s regions. Tourism is a significant economic sector in Ireland, and these strategies will support the development of tourism across all four of Fáilte Ireland’s regional brands, bringing new attractions and experiences for visitors and creating new opportunities for communities and businesses across the country.”

Speaking at the launch, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said, “our Regional Tourism Development Strategies have been devised with the support and input of all key stakeholders across the regions and this was a critical stage in the process. This alignment provides the blueprint for the development of sustainable tourism as it is crucial that we continue to innovate, improve and enhance our tourism offering, for domestic and international visitors. These strategies will ensure the primary focus is on sustainability, so the socio-economic benefits of tourism are seen and felt in communities and businesses across the country. The strategies will also ensure we make progress on decarbonising the tourism sector and in doing so help protect our environment for future generations.”

The Regional Tourism Development Strategies will be activated across every region through a series of local area action plans, referred to as Destination and Experience Development Plans (DEDPs). Fáilte Ireland’s commitment is for every part of the country to have a detailed tourism development action plan created in partnership with local stakeholders.

Fáilte Ireland was recently appointed as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Champion. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will inform the ongoing implementation of Fáilte Ireland’s four new Regional Tourism Development Strategies.

Source: Fáilte Ireland