TOURISM IN CORK
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Tourism is a vital industry and is a major contributor in the local West Cork economy, benefiting all those living and working in the area. The Wild Atlantic Way has impacted very positively in West Cork and in this context, agri-food tourism has really taken off with examples of West Cork farm tours showcasing these creative industries proving the fact that making a sector more sustainable should continue to get priority when it comes to government support. The West Cork region has earned the title of Ireland’s Premier Food Destination and its pride and passion have set the benchmark for food tourism in Ireland.
I will continue my role in ensuring that its ongoing development and future success is grown and developed to its utmost.
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If West Cork is to share in the growth of tourism it will have to have in place a proactive and adequately funded destination marketing strategy, adequate and competitive international access, along with the necessary tourism infrastructure supports. I want to ensure the ongoing promotion and maintenance of the quality of our environment and ensure that Irish tourism does not suffer from the loss of relative competitiveness.
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Currently the development of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ is an evolving and exciting long-term development project for West Cork, already there is an investment of €10 million committed during 2014 in the route which stretches from the Inishowen peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in West Cork and already the attraction is gathering significant interest overseas. I believe it has massive potential to bring more visitors and more jobs to West Cork.
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Launching the Report on Cruise Tourism in West Cork
I believe with the addition of further interpretation and touring loops with various enhancements coming on stream over the next few years and will firmly put West Cork on the world tourism map.