Fáilte Ireland has launched the first in a series of bespoke Tourism Development Programmes for Laois, which will help attractions and activity operators across the county to significantly grow their visitor numbers and revenue as part of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand.
The programme, which was undertaken by local tourism operators at the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise this week, provides attractions and activity-based businesses with expert training on everything from developing business plans and managing costs and revenue,
to understanding key market trends and how to create compelling visitor experiences that resonate with tourists from core markets.
Building on a range of training supports already delivered by Fáilte Ireland in Laois, this bespoke programme aims to bring together the county’s attractions and activities to enhance their business capability and long-term potential, helping to prepare them for development and funding opportunities which may arise in future.
Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, Jenny De Saulles, said: “Tourism is a key economic driver – it has the ability to spur employment in a way that many other industries would struggle to achieve, and its full potential in Laois can only be fulfilled if all tourism partners work together.
“This is a core focus of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand and we have been carrying out significant work on the ground, with tourism businesses, to really develop the tourism offering here.
Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, Jenny De Saulles, said: “Tourism is a key economic driver – it has the ability to spur employment in a way that many other industries would struggle to achieve, and its full potential in Laois can only be fulfilled if all tourism partners work together.
“This is a core focus of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand and we have been carrying out significant work on the ground, with tourism businesses, to really develop the tourism offering here.
“The brand is all about bringing local heritage and culture to life through compelling and immersive visitor experiences that stand out to international tourists.
“This bespoke development programme for Laois will tap into this and will help businesses to optimise their attraction or activity so they are in a prime position to put themselves forward for future development opportunities.
“Businesses working together to cross-promote and drive increased visitor numbers and revenue is also absolutely central to this programme.”
The training course at the Killeshin hotel this week marked the start of the six-month Tourism Development Programme.
The following businesses took part in the programme:
• Abbeyleix Heritage House
• Ballykilcavan Brewing
• Big Idea Consulting
• Castlewood Organic Farm
• Castle Durrow
• Cosy Café
• Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Museum
• Emo Court House
• Experiencing Laois
• Gash Gardens
• G’s Gourmet Jams
• Mid Ireland Adventure
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