High hopes for newly rebranded Reeks District tourism body

LAST Friday morning heralded the start of a new and exciting chapter for mid Kerry tourism with the launch of the rebranded ‘Reeks District’ at the visitor centre in Killorglin.

Minister with special responsibility for Tourism and Sport Brendan Griffin and Chairman of the Mid Kerry Tourism Cluster, Jens Bachem, spoke at the launch, with both men citing the obvious potential there is for tourists, from home and abroad, in the region throughout the year.

“The area clearly has a lot of natural resources to work with and for a very long time we were probably spoilt in that we relied on people to discover the area for themselves,” said Clíodhna Foley, executive committee member with Mid Kerry Tourism Cluster.

Ms Foley stressed that the group has a two-pronged approach in that it wants tourists already visiting the region to stay for longer, while attracting a new kind of tourist – those who come to enjoy the natural landscape. Adventure tourism is also a priority.

To emphasise this point, the Reeks District now has its own ‘5 Bs’ philosophy: Boots, Bikes, Boards, Boats and Body & Mind. This is a nod to the authentic and amazing outdoor experiences the region has to offer with Killorglin as the hub of the brand.

“There are experiences within each of these pillars that offer tourists a unique way of enjoying the region. We’re currently working with a PR group in the UK with a view to promoting the Reeks District and they have likened it to the Lake District in the UK, which is a massive brand.

“While we’re trying to build a more sustainable market that would benefit local businesses, we also want the tourist season to grow to 10 or 11 months in the year. This targets hikers, walkers and cyclists, which are not necessarily weather specific pursuits,” Ms Foley added.

The Mid Kerry Tourism Cluster is actively seeking new members. If you offer a service to tourists and would like to get involved, contact the Reeks District Visitor Centre in Killorglin.

Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin Minister Brendan Griffin cutting the tape to officially open the newly renamed Reeks District Visitor Information Centre with Cllr Dan McCarthy, Sean de Buitlear SKDP, Cllr Norma Moriarty, Cllr Damien Quigg, Moira Murrell CEO Kerry County Council, Jens...