There is now a newly rebranded and redesigned website for County Cork tourism, www.visitcorkcounty.com, in light of tourism being identified as a key to Ireland’s economic recovery.

The new version of VisitCorkCounty will be officially launched by the Mayor Cllr Barbara Murphy on Tuesday next, June 18 in Glass Annex in Youghal and all are welcome.

The website will serve the dual purpose of providing travel and tourist information to foreign and domestic visitors to Cork as well as giving Cork businesses, voluntary groups and festival organisers the chance to advertise their business or event on the site.

With a new registration function, businesses and event organisers will be able to create their own profile, upload pictures and post their events to the website’s calendar. The website has also been developed to be accessible on all mobile devices, a very convenient feature for the on-the-go visitors to the website.

This project was initiated by Cork County Council Cork and is financed by its Economic Development Fund. The objective is to attract visitors to the County of Cork from other counties in Ireland and from abroad. It will also aim to help local communities and groups to advertise their events and businesses to promote their services.

Speaking of the initiative, Ger Power, Head of Finance and Economic Development for Cork County Council said: “Cork County Council is delighted to launch the brand new look visitcorkcounty.com. With this website, visitors to Cork and Corkonians alike will have a one stop shop website to find out what’s happening and what to visit in Cork County.”

Project Coordinator, Magali Bolger said that they are looking forward to different groups and businesses registering with the website to join more than 70 members who are already online with them.

“With an upcoming special offers section as phase 2 of the project, it will be particularly attractive to businesses as they will have a chance to advertise their offers. We would also be delighted to hear from businesses or local voluntary groups who may not have an Internet presence, as they will be able to use visitcorkcounty.com to promote their activities,” Magali said.

To celebrate the launch of the website, visitcorkcounty is running a draw. Enter the “Cork Phrase Challenge” draw and be in with a chance to win a €250 One-for-All voucher and other prizes. Simply visit the VisitCorkCounty Facebook page and post a picture of you (or a friend) on our Facebook page holding up your favourite Cork phrase or saying.

Entries will be entered into a draw, which will take place on June 18, and winners will be notified shortly after. Along with the grand prize of a €250 One-For-All voucher, there are also prizes of a family day pass to Trabolgan, green fees to Charleville Golf Club, a water ski or wakeboard coaching session for 1 person from Carrig Waterski and wakeboard centre, a copy of Rachel Allen’s new book “Cake” from Ballymaloe House and one month’s membership at the Castle Hotel’s Leisure Club in Macroom.

Anyone interested in registering or for further information, view www.visitcorkcounty.com, email info@visitcorkcounty.com or phone Magali Bolger on 026-20520.