JULY 2005

Plan to Market Inishowen as 'Green' destination

A major drive is underway by Inishowen Rural Development Ltd, to promote Inishowen as a 'Green' destination which will be attractive to ecotourists, it emerged this week.

According to Dr Peter Doran, an expert in sustainable development issues around the world, ecotourists spend up to three times as much money while on holiday compared to the average tourist. "Some research suggests that one in every five tourists will be an ecotourist by the end of this decade," he says.

Dr Doran is one of three consultants hired by Inishowen Rural Development Ltd to work on a project aimed at marketing the peninsula as a "green" or ecotourist destination. He says ecotourism is about "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." The consultancy term are currently finalising the branding phase of the project, which went out to public consultation last month and are now inviting those interested in benefiting from the ecotourism market to appear in a "Green Guide to Inishowen."

The guide will bring together all those who want to market Inishowen as a 'green' destination, under this initiative says Jeremy Smyth of Donagh Consultants, who has worked extensively with the tourism industry in the peninsula. "Some people have already indicated that they want to sign up to this project and will be appearing in the guide, but we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity, so we'll be contacting registered tourism providers this week."

Trish Hegarty of Inis Communications, who handles the PR side of the project says, selling Inishowen as a green destination is a natural and positive step, which will help promote what is best about the region: clean air, sea, and beaches, good food, fabulous views, walks and heritage, and great craic! Ecotourists prefer uncrowded locations, remote and wild areas, physical activity, and learning about nature. They want the community they are visiting to share in the benefit of tourism in their area, and they would like to have more contact with the people and culture of the local community than the thousands of tourist in a big resort would have".

Trish says ecotourists are looking for the "genuine article", adding, as far as we are concerned, Inishowen is the genuine article!. Ecotourists stay longer and visit more than twice as often, so they are a truly valued visitor. "We believe this project which seeks to promote Inishowen as an ecotourist destination, will thus benefit the visitor, the tourism industry and the community alike, so it is a win-win situation for everyone," she said.

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