May 2006

Marketing boost of €40,000 for tourism in Inishowen

Tourism in Inishowen is to get a grant of €30,000 from Fáilte Ireland to fund a joint marketing initiative which will be driven by the tourism industry itself. A further €10,000 in matched funding will be raised by the industry to help pay for the new marketing programme. "It's great news for Inishowen and is strong backing for the growth potential of what can be achieved by coming together to market the region." according to Kathleen Gill, Chairperson of the steering group leading the initiative and marketing manager at the Carlton Redcastle Hotel. The announcement was also welcomed by Inishowen Tourism, who administer the project.

"It's a fabulous opportunity for those involved in the tourism sector in Inishowen to have a direct input into decisions about marketing the area, and driving the industry forward," said John Farren, manager of Ballyliffin Golf Club, who's also on the steering group. "For every €1 put in by the industry in Inishowen, Fáilte Ireland is putting in another €3 and that's not an opportunity that comes up every day." He added.

The announcement about this year's grant was given by Sheena Doyle, regional marketing executive with Fáilte Ireland, who coordinated last year's campaign. "The purpose of the local area marketing fund is to grow bednights in less developed areas and encourage networks and Inishowen is a perfect example of where coordinated trade effort can show a real result in terms of achieving this goal," she said.

The steering group which coordinates this year's marketing initiative holds its next meeting at 11am in McGrory's, Culdaff on Friday 5th May. Industry members who are interested in taking part in this year's marketing campaign are invited to come along.

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