Up to 40 businesses in South Dublin County that either cater to the tourism market or could benefit from the expansion of that market, met in Tallaght Stadium recently to hear plans from South Dublin County Council and Failte Ireland to develop the visitor experience in South Dublin 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 entitled Growing the visitor experience and your businesswas organised by the Council’s County Promotion Unit, and hosted by the Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Sarah Holland. The event also allowed Crowe Horwath, who have been engaged by the Council to devise a marketing and branding strategy for the County, to consult with relevant stakeholders in the County. Businesses were given an opportunity to identify the County’s key strengths and opportunities as a first step in branding the County and in initiating the process of bringing new tourism experiences and products to market.
Launching the event Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Sarah Holland said, “Visitor numbers to Dublin have risen and continue to grow. With a total of 4.1m 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.” She continued“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 and grow the tourism market in this County”.
Business heard about the County Council’s commitment to developing the tourism market in the County through their investment in plans for a flagship visitor facility in the Dublin Mountains, the development of interpretative space at Clondalkin’s Round Tower, and plans with regard the Dodder Greenway and a tourism website showcasing the current and future offers.
Attendees at the event also participated in a “speed-dating” style networking event where they had two minutes to pitch their business to the rest of the businesses present.
The Council and Crowe Horwath are now working through the wealth of data gathered which, it is hoped, will identify some sustainable tourism packages and itineraries that can be developed for both Dubliners and visitors to Dublin alike.
Tourism Strategy: http://www.sdublincoco.ie/
· Round Tower: http://www.sdublincoco.ie/
· Dodder Greenway: http://www.sdcc.ie/services/