"EU funding, new marketing strategies and a strategic regional focus could provide the North West region with the opportunity to grow it’s tourism business substantially" This was stated by Marian Harkin following a major tourism conference in Letterkenny where as keynote speaker she addressed the topic of the role of the EU in promoting regional tourism. There was great potential in developing the cross border tourism initiative which took in Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone, she said.
She continued: "In the North West region we have an excellent tourism product and if we work together to promote the region with proper funding from Government and the EU then we can position ourselves well to get a bigger slice of the tourism market. Unfortunately the market share of the North West both in terms of revenue and bed nights is not keeping pace with other regions in Ireland. However, 'Destination North West' - a Failte Ireland initiative running for the last two years has the potential to expand the tourism sector if it is adequately funded and resourced".
"I left the conference hopeful that the North West region could finally turn the corner in terms of its fair share of the tourism market. Destination North West is a cross border initiative taking in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone and its objective is that all six counties work together to promote the entire region. Sometimes that takes a leap of faith as every county wants their share but I believe that to reach global markets we need to work together to create a brand, a logo, our own unique selling point. There was good news at the conference with the success story of Rally Ireland, the Greenbox initiative, and Waterways Ireland being highlighted. These initiatives, coupled with the new marketing drive of Failte Ireland, EU funds channelled through INTERREG and, crucially, adequate Government funding will provide a hopeful outlook".
According to Marian Harkin the role of the Voluntary and Community sector is crucial to ensuing regional success. "One very important piece of the jigsaw that is often left out is the contribution of the Voluntary and Community sector. In many cases they are the driving force behind successful tourism initiatives and working with the private sector and Government agencies this sector ensures real added value to any project. It is often the 'pride of place' of the local community or the determination to ensure sustainable tourism jobs in the local area that drives community tourism projects" Marian Harkin concluded.
