County marketing strategy gets go-ahead to promote selling points

Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, Daniel McLoughlin, signed a contract with Clodagh O’Brien of Crowe Horwath who have undertaken the task to create, implement and embed a marketing and branding strategy for South Dublin County by setting out the experiences of the location that visitors to the county can enjoy, thereby unlocking the potential of South Dublin County, and in so doing developing the tourism economy in the region.

“Realising our potential as an attractive and strong player in the overall destination that is Dublin depends entirely upon excellent communication and vision for the County” said Daniel McLoughlin.

“South Dublin County’s natural outdoors and sporting infrastructure facilitates opportunities in both activity and business tourism sectors.

“The quality and presentation of our towns and villages, augmented and enhanced by our parks, waterways, mountains and other visitor attractions, together with quality accommodation are fundamental to our tourism offering as an affordable and accessible edge of city location.

“Signing this contract provides us with an opportunity to improve perceptions and experiences of the County, while also bringing economic benefits to all.

“We have so much to offer and we look forward to developing marketing initiatives with local businesses and to welcoming more visitors to our corner of Dublin”.

The marketing and branding action plan will outline the experiences in this county in order to create and build awareness of what the county can offer to both domestic and international visitors.

“Essential to realising opportun-ities in our county is tackling market awareness and recognition levels of the County through a coherent and targeted marketing strategy for existing and planned products and initiatives.

“The local tourism sector will be crucial and it is envisaged that the stages of the plan will involve engagement with local businesses as well as seeking views from the wider community.

On signing the contract, Clodagh O’Brien, Advisory Partner, Crowe Horwath, said “We are delighted to be working with South Dublin County Council on such an exciting and timely project.

“South Dublin County has a great variety of tourism products and planned developments that can add to visitors’ experience of Dublin as a vibrant tourism offering.

“We look forward to working with the council and the local tourism industry to increase awareness of what South Dublin County has to offer both national and international audiences”.

Fáilte Ireland’s wide-ranging “Destination Dublin” report by the Grow Dublin Taskforce, launched in January 2014 outlined a series of actions to re-define and develop the tourism product in Dublin.

South Dublin County Council has adopted a role in the development and promotion of tourism, and is working closely with Fáilte Ireland and the Grow Dublin team in this area.

It is expected that a final marketing and branding strategy and action plan will be developed and implemented over the next 18 months.