Localcouncils playpivotal roleintourism
THE PIVOTAL role of local authorities in faciltating the success of the tourism industry was highlighted at a national tourism conference which took place in Enniscorthy.
The Irish tourism market is supported by very targeted and active participation by local government and in partnership with a number of government agencies, who work very positively on national, regional and local initiatives.
Between 2011 and 2016, the local government sector leveraged a total capital investment of €170.9 million in tourist attractions, with €73.3million of this investment made by local authorities, while the matching €97.6 million capital was made by other stakeholders.
This supported 259 attractions and plans are advancing for a further 121 new tourism products. Over 1,400 events and festivals are supported by local authorities every year, contributing to local economies.
Much of the support provided by local authorities at events goes unnoticed, but is vital to the success of events; such as project management, clean ups, administrative support, health and safety, all put in place so that people can enjoy their day.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan, who addressed the conference, said Ireland is famous across the globe as a destination that is welcoming and vibrant.
‘Perhaps our greatest potential tourism offering over the coming years is where the aspects of People and Place converge at the level of the local community. ‘ The Irish tourism offering originates with local people at local level. That’s why this event is so significant, it is the coming together of all local authorities in the country, including those with high profile Irish tourism successes, to share learnings and to see how we can continue to grow and develop our tourism offering in an increasingly competitive global marketplace,’ he said. Joe MacGrath, Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council and Chair of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) said that local government is playing a significant role in tourism development of local areas, from the provision of attractions and infrastructure, support for events, mobilising a network of stakeholders, agencies and groups to promote local tourist offerings. ‘No organisation can work in isolation, we rely on our partnerships with other state agencies and private industry to help us provide a modern and positive experience for our visitors,’ he said. Themes covered included investment priorities, branding, food tourism and innovation.