Fáilte Ireland has today launched a new plan that will help drive and sustain tourism in Killarney, Co. Kerry. Entitled the ‘Killarney Destination and Experience Development Plan’, the plan aims to create a sustainable tourism destination by extending the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the region over the next five years.
Key stakeholders in the area and the local community were consulted and inputted into the plan including Kerry County Council, Irish Hotel Federation, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, Kerry Convention Bureau and local tourism marketing groups as well as many local tourism operators and networks.
The focus of the plan builds on a number of destination development projects that will bring local experiences to life including Muckross House, Torc Waterfall and Killarney House along with cycling trails that will encourage visitors to discover the Muckross and Dinis Loop.
Speaking about the plan, Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, said: ‘This Destination and Experience Development Plan, which captures the unique themes central to Killarney, is about looking to the future of tourism in the region and will be hugely important as we work towards a sustained and sustainable recovery. It provides a framework for tourism businesses and stakeholders to work in partnership over the next five years to create new and improved existing visitor experiences. Local consultation and input was central, and this collaborative approach provided local stakeholders with the opportunity to contribute and shape the plan.’
Moira Murrell, Chief Executive, Kerry County Council: “I am delighted to see the Killarney Destination and Experience Development Plan being launched here today. It is a great example of how collaboration is the key to building a sustainable tourism industry here in Killarney and will drive the economic growth for all Kerry. Outlined in the plan is a major project for Killarney which will examine the potential to capitalise on Killarney’s outdoor assets and re-imagine its stories through its urban spaces. Developments like this, through public realm and urban animation, have the potential to transform and re-imagine Killarney’s urban centre for both visitors and communities.”
Bernadette Randles, Irish Hotels Federation said: “The Wild Atlantic Way continues to be a phenomenal success and this DEDP gives us the opportunity as tourism businesses to capitalise on the popularity of the route and by enticing visitors to come to Killarney and Kerry particularly in the off peak season and stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants and experience everything the town and the National Park has to offer”
For more information on the Killarney Destination and Experience Development Plan, visit www.failteireland.ie.
