Workshop highlights key strengths and county’s tourism opportunities
By Maurice Garvey
UP TO 40 businesses in South Dublin County that either cater to the tourism market or could benefit from the expansion of the industry, met in Tallaght Stadium recently to hear from South Dublin County Council and Failte Ireland about tourism development plans in the county.
The event also afforded businesses an opportunity to network and open up opportunities for collaboration on developing tourism packages and itineraries.
The tourism industry workshop and networking event was organised by the council’s County Promotion Unit, and hosted by Mayor of South Dublin Sarah Holland.
The event also allowed Crowe Horwath – who the council engaged to devise a marketing and branding strategy – to consult with relevant stakeholders.
Businesses were given an opportunity to identify the county’s key strengths and opportunities – initiating the process of bringing new tourism experiences and products to market.
Mayor Sarah Holland said: “Visitor numbers to Dublin have risen and continue to grow. With a total of 4.1million overseas visitors in 2014 generating over €1.4billion in revenue, there are very strong financial reasons to position our county to win a greater share of a growing market.
“While the council will play a strong role we cannot achieve these goals alone and industry awareness, buy in and collaboration are required if we, together, are to meet, and perhaps even exceed the Tourism Strategy’s targets.”
Business heard about the council’s investment plans for a flagship visitor facility in the Dublin Mountains, the development of interpretative space at Clondalkin’s Round Tower, and plans for the Dodder Greenway and a tourism website.
SDCC and Crowe Horwath are working off the data gathered which, it is hoped, will identify some sustainable tourism packages that can be developed.
