A development plan has launched aiming to create Waterford as a sustainable tourism destination, by extending the tourism season and spreading business across the county over the next five years.
Key stakeholders and industry in the area were consulted, contributing to the Waterford Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP), including Waterford City and County Council, Waterford Leader Partnership, the Waterford Rural Tourism Network, accommodation and hospitality businesses, attractions and activity providers, along with festivals and event organisers across the city and county.
The development of the five-year plan provides a shared vision and clear direction towards improved development, strengthening the promotion of the areas unique features by growing the destinations market share through the delivery of priority projects and hero experiences that seek to maximise the key strengths of the area.
Launched at an event at Mount Congreve Gardens last week, the new plan will help drive and sustain tourism in Waterford, building on a number of existing destination development projects that will bring local experiences to life. These include development of an attraction of scale in Waterford City, development of an orientation project linking the city and the wider county and the development of tourism networks.
‘STRENGTHENING’ COMMUNITIES
Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, stated that the plan would ‘transform the tourism offering across the county’.
“We are confident that this DEDP has the potential to significantly increase Waterfords domestic and international appeal, and grow the visitor economy to create sustainable, high-quality jobs in the sector that will serve to support and strengthen local communities”.
Developed through a collaborative approach, the success of the plan will be dependent on local tourism businesses, stakeholders and local communities working with Fáilte Ireland to implement it over the next five years.
