DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN A STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN COUNTY MAYO. December 2015

Transcription

1 DESTINATION MAYO A STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN COUNTY MAYO 2021 ACTION PLAN December 2015

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3 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 CONTENTS ACCOMMODATION & HOSPITALITY EDUCATIONAL TOURISM FOOD TOURISM PILGRIMAGE & SPIRITUAL TOURISM ADVENTURE & ACTIVITY TOURISM WALKING TOURISM CYCLING TOURISM MARINE LEISURE ANGLING/FISHING TOURISM GOLF TOURISM WILD MAYO HERITAGE, ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVALS & EVENTS ACCESS & TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE ENTERPRISE & INVESTMENT

4 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES ACCOMMODATION & HOSPITALITY ACCOMMODATION & HOSPITALITY Support the accommodation sector in a return to financial stability Support Mayo s accommodation providers in positioning the product as diverse, innovative and offering value for money Support the accommodation & hospitality sectors in showcasing all things Mayo culture, food, tourism experience Action Accommodation & Hospitality Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners 01 EIU support for investors and businesses in certain accommodation & hospitality sectors to foster the development of a wider range of accommodation options including campsites, caravan facilities, Glamping and other novel accommodation options, particularly in lesser visited areas of the county. Q2 (then ongoing) A more diverse accommodation offering, extending to a wide range of offerings from the traditional to novel, innovative products in a broad price range Fáilte Ireland Hospitality Trade Local Development Agencies 02 Foster industry collaboration & enhanced offering. (then ongoing) Active cross promotion of local activities, attractions, events etc. by hospitality staff and owners. OBJECTIVES EDUCATIONAL TOURISM EDUCATIONAL TOURISM Facilitate the positioning of Mayo as an attractive destination for EFL and Irish language students Co-ordinate the development of special interest educational tourism in Mayo Action Educational Tourism Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners 03 Create an environment that supports innovation in special interest educational tourism development Long term (then ongoing) A range of special interest educational tourism products emerges (e.g. traditional crafts, traditional music schools, outdoor activities, etc.) Irish Language Summer Schools Language Schools Cairde Amigo Undertake audit of the tourism needs of Gaeltacht Summer Schools Liaise with statutory bodies in relation to developing an Irish Adult Gaeltacht School within the county Q3 and ongoing Audit complete Feasibility report Údarás na Gaeltachta Foras na Gaeltachta Gnó Mhaigh Eo Gaeltachta Co-ops Local Development Agencies 3

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6 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES FOOD TOURISM Connect the local food sector in Mayo with the tourism industry Facilitate opportunities to increase the visibility of Mayo s indigenous food sector Position Mayo s food sector as a hook to drive food tourism to the county Action Food Tourism Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Develop a food producer workshop series to showcase Mayo s artisan food producers and integrate with the tourism industry Develop a number of Country Markets incl. indoor markets FOOD TOURISM Medium term Q3 Workshops complete New markets developed at Castlebar, Achill and Erris Artisan Food Producers Hospitality Trade Community Groups Irish Country Markets Local Development Agencies 08 Develop a Summer Food Series Medium term 2017 Mayo s artisan food producers/ hospitality sector become part of the tourism event calendar 09 Develop a county wide Food Trail Medium term 2018 County wide Food Trail/Series 5

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8 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES PILGRIMAGE & SPIRITUAL TOURISM Expand the tourism footprint of Knock Shrine Facilitate the development of St Patrick s Trail as Ireland s landmark long distance pilgrim path Facilitate the development of additional religious heritage themed clusters/trails Action Pilgrimage & Spiritual Tourism Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners PILGRIMAGE & SPIRITUAL TOURISM Plan an improved Public Realm at Knock village & IWAK approach Plan and seek funding to develop a Journey of Purpose /Trail of international significance linking Croagh Patrick, Cong, Knock Shrine/ Killala Plan of Works complete Trail Plan and permissions in place. Developed Trail ( phased construction) underway Knock Community Development Agencies Knock Shrine Various Local Authorities DECLG 12 Liaise with other local authorities in the planning of a cross country spiritual trail between Croagh Patrick & Downpatrick, Co Down Long term Q St Patrick s Trail becomes Ireland s landmark long distance pilgrim path, renowned at home and abroad as Ireland s answer to the Camino 13 Audit of religious heritage in Mayo Q4 A full catalogue of Mayo s religious heritage sites is established and mapped including a variety of trail and cluster themes to showcase Mayo s religious heritage (e.g. Harry Clarke stained glass windows, Monasteries of the Moy, rag trees and holy wells) 14 Religious heritage workshop to identify and brand religious heritage themed clusters/trails Q3 Workshop complete 7

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10 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES ADVENTURE & ACTIVITY TOURISM Support and/or lead on capacity and sustainability management initiatives Retain early mover advantage, identifying and accommodating future adventure trends Facilitate the development and promotion of walking, cycling and water trails in the county Facilitate upgrading of selected existing trails and trailheads to international Waymarked Way status Facilitate development of EuroVelo1 in Mayo Facilitate the development of VeloRail in Mayo Facilitate ongoing innovation and development of the Great Western Greenway to retain first mover advantage Identify a location and seek funding for a Mountain Bike Trail facility in Mayo Position Mayo as the Adventure Playground of Ireland an adventure playground with world-class facilities and high quality, innovative events Facilitate the development and promotion of adventure sports and events in the county Attract leading international adventure sports events to Mayo Position Mayo as an Island Hopping Destination Action Adventure & Activity Tourism Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Collaborate with key stakeholders to measure capacity and develop a sustainability plan for Mayo s natural landscape, making a clear statement of intent on sustainability Establish an adventure sports and events working group to identify future trends and future-proof the industry Develop Mayo s Adventure Product into a World Class Offering ADVENTURE & ACTIVITY TOURISM Short / Medium term Sustainability Plan in Place Mayo is positioned at the forefront of the adventure travel industry, becoming the leading destination for unique, innovative and exciting adventure experiences Wide range of adventure product on offer High quality mapping, signage & service Variety of Experiences offered by Trade/Community Cross selling and packages available Participation in EU partnership in EuroVelo Project Local Development Agencies Adventure Providers Hospitality Providers Community Local landowners DTTAS, DECLG, Fáilte Ireland, DAHG Coillte Bord na Móna IFI Regional and Destination Marketing Groups 18 Develop a number of outstanding walks, a comprehensive network of Greenways and Blueways throughout County Medium long term and ongoing Product availability 19 Assess, plan and seek funding to develop a Mountain Bike trail for the County Long term 2018 Location selected & Plans complete 20 Develop Mayo as a destination of choice for marine leisure and sailing Medium term 2018 Identify & select marine leisure hubs Seek funding for improved infrastructure/access Development of Clew Bay as a Signature Marine leisure experience 21 Position Mayo as the Adventure Playground of Ireland an adventure playground with world-class facilities and high quality, innovative events Medium long term Increased Proportion of visiting sports enthusiasts & increased range of activity products on offer 22 Facilitate the development and promotion of adventure sports and events in the County. Attract leading international adventure sports events to Mayo Medium term Develop National Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Castlebar Participation in European Network of Outdoor Sports (ENOS) Support national bid for World Rugby Tournament 2023 and use of Mayo venues for group games ENOS Euro Meet Conference EuroVelo Event Stage World Tug of War & World Kite Surfing Competition Stage Adventure Summit 9

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12 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES WALKING TOURISM Develop & maintain Mayo s walking product to world class standard Position Mayo as the Walking Capital of Ireland Action Walking Tourism Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Identify and audit Mayo s signature walking trails Targeted maintenance across walking trail network Develop 5 Iconic Walks in the county in conjunction with Rural Recreational Officer Co-ordinate/support upgrading of signature walking trails and ancillary services to international best practice standard WALKING TOURISM Long term Q1 All years Q Q1 Audit complete Maintenance System in place Development of 5 iconic walks Mayo s signature walking product has world-class mapping, signage and services A single, waterproof OSI standard map of Mayo is produced for outdoor enthusiasts Local Development Agencies Adventure Providers Hospitality Providers Community Local landowners DTTAS, DECLG, Fáilte Ireland, DAHG Coillte Bord na Móna IFI Regional and Destination Marketing Groups 27 Liaise with Coillte to develop a public access to Nephin Q Improve Bothys and new suspension trail footbridges on iconic walking trails 28 Identify and progress planning for a Peak2Peak trail linking Mayo s highest peaks Q2 Developed access trail, facilities & experiences 29 Develop an Islands walk linking the Mayo Islands of Inishturk, Clare and Achill Islands. Investigate possibility of extending this trail to Inishbofin and Aran Islands. Q2017 Access in place 30 Plan & seek funding to develop a National Coastal Walk Long term 2019 Selected trail route Plans and Planning in place 11

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14 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES CYCLING TOURISM Develop & maintain Mayo s cycling product to world class standard Position Mayo as the Walking Capital of Ireland Action Cycling Tourism Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Co-ordinate/support upgrading of signature cycling trails and ancillary services to international best practice standard Extend the Greenway to Keel, Belmullet, Ballycroy National Park, Bertra and Louisburgh. Develop Activity Services centres along the Greenway at Buckfield, Mulranny and Owenduff. Seek funding to develop services blocks, rain shelters, interpretation along the Greenway Complete Monasteries of the Moy Greenway & Land of Giants Greenway CYCLING TOURISM Short / Medium Term Short / Medium Term Q4 All years All years Developed trail & experiences 200km Greenway Network in place incl Monasteries of the Moy and high quality services. Completed network Local Development Agencies Adventure Providers Hospitality Providers Community Local Landowners DTTAS, DECLG, Fáilte Ireland, DAHG Coillte Regional and Destination Marketing Groups Bord na Móna IFI 34 Support the development of complementary product clusters in key cycling locations Medium/ Long term 2017 Identify Mayo s key cycling hub locations and foster a collaborative approach to developing clusters of complementary products. A cluster of key cycling hub locations are developed in Mayo, providing centralised hubs with excellent facilities, serving as a base for cyclists to enjoy multiple day trips from a central location 35 Support the development of leisure/ visitor cycling in Mayo towns All years Smarter Travel initiatives Cycle counters/counts/visitor surveys 13

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16 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES MARINE LEISURE Facilitate the development and promotion of marine pursuits in the County Develop the facilities required to support marine leisure activity on Mayo s coastline Support and/or lead on capacity and sustainability management initiatives Action Marine Leisure Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop a Marine Leisure Strategy for the county and establish Mayo as a destination of choice for sailing Identify & source funding for planning of marine leisure facilities at key marine tourism facilities Retain the county s position in relation to Blue Flag/Green Coast Flag beaches Seek funding to develop essential services at Blueway locations MARINE LEISURE Long term Q Q Q A blueprint for capacity management and sustainability is developed for Mayo s marine leisure product, allowing for balanced, regional distribution of marine activity throughout the county Improved facilities at beaches, selected piers/pontoons etc Retention of Blue Flag Beach Status/ Green Coast status at beaches Development of improved services facilities essential services and activity services units Local Development Groups Island Communities Ferry Operators Hospitality Services NPWS DTTAS, DAFM, Fáilte Ireland Adventure Providers An Taisce EPA Coillte Destination Marketing Groups 40 Investigate the possibility of developing a national sailing/adventure island destination in the Clew Bay area / Long term Q Developed water activity services incl. kayaking, sea canoeing, coasteering, scuba diving at new locations. Extended blueway network 41 Develop a range of marine/coastal experiences in the county and develop Clew Bay as a Signature Life on the Edge of the Wild Atlantic Way experience. / Long term 2017 Adventure location of national/ international significance established Land to Sea & Sea to Land offerings Seafood tourism Range of coastal visitor centres showcasing marine related way of life Re-established sea fishing offerings Boat Cruise products Kayaking / wind surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving etc 42 Investigate the feasibility of a Ferry Service linking Achill and Blacksod 2017 Feasibility Report 43 Identify optimum locations for berthing for leisure craft in the county 2017 Feasibility Report on marina/ berthing location 15

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18 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES ANGLING/FISHING TOURISM Facilitate the development and promotion of angling and fishing in the County Position Mayo as a sustainable and responsible angling/fishing destination Action Angling/Fishing Tourism Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Facilitate the development and promotion of angling and fishing in the County Support the development of ancillary services required by anglers (access, boats, ghillies, tackle shops, etc.) ANGLING/FISHING TOURISM Mid/Long term Q Improved access and infrastructure Greater promotion to reflect key tourism product of the county Support for fishing related festivals and youth fishing schools. Develop an internationally recognised annual fishing competition High quality, good value ancillary services for angling tourists are widely available in Mayo Inland Fisheries Ireland Private fisheries/ lodges Local Development Agencies East Mayo Anglers Destination Marketing Groups NPWS 46 Seek funding for Salmon Life Centre Funding secured OBJECTIVES GOLF TOURISM Facilitate the development and promotion of golf in the County Support the potential for appropriate investment and development of the links golf product in the County Attract international golf tournaments and events to Mayo Action Golf Tourism Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners 47 Support the potential for appropriate investment and development of the links golf product in the county Support capacity building and the development of marketing materials for parkland golf courses including the development of a Golf Mayo incentive card GOLF TOURISM Mid-term Mayo becomes home to a range of internationally renowned championship standard links golf courses with potential to attract a growing number of high yield overseas golf tourists Development of Golf Mayo incentive card Local Development Agencies Golf Clubs Hospitality Providers IGTOA, IAGTO Destination Marketing Groups 48 Identify demand for and areas appropriate for the development of links golf courses in the county, taking heritage, environment and planning issues into consideration 2017 Identified locations 49 Attract suitable investment from the international golf course development community Funding secured 50 Attract national and international golf tournaments and events to Mayo. Engage with national and international golf bodies such as the IGTOA, IAGTO and European Tour groups to position Mayo as an attractive destination capable of hosting large scale golf events 2017 Mayo plays host to national and international golf tournaments, receiving international exposure as a leading golf destination 17

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20 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 WILD MAYO OBJECTIVES WILD MAYO (incl adventure activities, hunting, nature and bird watching) Facilitate the development and promotion of a WILD MAYO tourism offering in Mayo, with sustainable and responsibly managed adventure and outdoor /country pursuits Brand Mayo as Best Place to go Wild In Ireland Action Wild Mayo (incl adventure, hunting, nature and bird watching) Mayo Tourism Marketing promote Mayo as a world class, sustainable and responsible outdoor pursuits / nature destination Undertake audit of key nature watching locations and services required Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Q3 Mayo is positioned as a world class, sustainable and responsible country pursuits destination, marketed within the Mayo tourism brand Brand Wild Mayo through new website and social media streams Audit completed Ballycroy National Park Coillte NPWS Regional and Destination Marketing Groups 53 Develop Dark Sky Area at Ballycroy, InishTurk, and Downpatrick Head Q4 Dark Sky Area accredited 54 Facilitate the development of Wild Nephin Wilderness Park Wilderness Park launched and developed 19

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22 OBJECTIVES Share Mayo s heritage, arts and culture in an authentic and engaging way with visitors to the county Create and/or identify existing marketing and/or capital supports to sustain and conserve key heritage, arts and culture products requiring investment and/or under threat Support the heritage, arts and cultural industries in sustaining Mayo s traditional crafts and skills and increasing their commercial viability Mayo Tourism Forum facilitate Mayo s visitor attractions offering seasonal showcases and retail opportunities for local art, craft and traditional skills in conjunction with Mayo LEO and Craftworks Mayo clients Deliver a national 1916 /2021 Centenary Commemoration Event in Mayo In collaboration with the national coordinators and county coordinator in securing a national commemorative event for Mayo DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 HERITAGE, ARTS & CULTURE HERITAGE, ARTS & CULTURE Facilitate the development and promotion of Mayo s heritage, arts and culture as a tourism product Share Mayo s heritage, arts and culture in an authentic and engaging way with visitors to the county Support the heritage, arts and cultural industries in sustaining Mayo s traditional crafts and skills and increasing their commercial viability Support Mayo s heritage, arts and cultural product in becoming a vehicle to generate regional and seasonal distribution of tourism through the county Position Mayo as a visitor destination with a vibrant festival offering with twice as many festivals on offer in 2021 than 2013 Create a calendar of events for the Mayo 1916 and 1921 Centenary Commemorations Action Heritage, Arts & Culture Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Long term 2019 (then ongoing) 2017 Heritage, arts and culture products key to Mayo s heritage receive supports to become more sustainable Mayo s art, craft and traditional skills receive an additional sales platform and increased commercial viability Mayo s visitor attractions have a wider visitor offering and innovative tour packages, increasing length of stay and spend in the local area Mayo develops a signature national commemorative event Develop Moore Hall Garden Local Development Agencies Fáilte Ireland National Museum of Ireland Westport House Davitt Museum Foxford Woollen Mills OPW Local Development Coops Arts Office MCC Heritage Office MCC Re-enactment Groups Community s Voluntary Groups Local Museums & Heritage Groups Jackie Clarke Collection Craftworks Mayo Regional and Destination Marketing Groups 60 Support community endeavours at showcasing Mayo traditional way of life, culture / Long term Develop a number of indoor tourism offerings themed on traditional way of life 61 Support traditional music/dance offerings targeted at the visitor Support for language and dance schools/events of interest to visitor Support for unique heritage/cultural visitor offerings 62 Heritage Interpretation Workshop How to tell your Story authentic interpretation 2017 Mayo s heritage, arts and cultural product develops an authentic style of interpretation and storytelling, incorporating interactive technology, apps and guides Increased visitor orientation,making heritage, arts, and culture products more available to locals and visitors alike. 63 Develop Castlebar Military Barracks as a world class Visitor Centre & Creative Hub. Develop Ballina Military Barracks. Develop a Regional Arts Centre in Claremorris (and ongoing) Sites developed 64 Collaborate with Galway County and communities to develop a Mayo/ Galway Geopark in South Mayo (and ongoing) Geopark status approved 21

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24 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES FESTIVALS & EVENTS Facilitate the development of a busy, diverse and vibrant festivals and events calendar for Mayo, focussing on innovation, regional/seasonal diversity and a broad range of themes Build on the success of the Gathering in developing community festivals Facilitate community groups and festival organisers through capacity building and skills development training workshops Position Mayo as a dynamic, can-do destination, capable of delivering world class corporate and entertainment events Collaborate with the MICE sector in pitching for events Support the MICE sector in Mayo by recommending Mayo as a corporate and events destination to EIU and business and enterprise connections in Ireland and overseas Harness the potential of Mayo s diaspora and their connections by communicating a clear message that Mayo is open for business Action Festivals & Events Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Create a balanced Calendar of Events annually Engage the services of a Cultural Tourism Coordinator and Programmer to build innovative festival capacity in communities, benchmark Mayo s offering against competing locations and assist in doubling festivals within five years Economic impact of all festivals/events to be emphasised to encourage local and national financial support for festivals FESTIVALS & EVENTS Q1 Q4 (then ongoing) (then ongoing) Annual calendar of events Cultural Tourism Coordinator contracted. Festivals and Events calendar will be increasingly innovative, diverse in theme, venue, region and seasonality and geared more towards the international visitor. Annual Business Impact Reports on selected festivals Local Communities Voluntary Groups Tourism trade Leader Local Development Agencies AOIFE Irish Public Bodies Regiional and Destination Marketing Groups Festival Organisers Fáilte Ireland 68 Training Capacity building, mentoring skills, development for festival organisers to support the development of innovative festivals and events that target key overseas markets such as Diaspora, Britain, North America, capitalising on the opportunities presented by Mayo Day. Festival organisers develop enhanced management and marketing skills Corporate Ambassador Programme promote to Mayo Associations, Think Tank and Mayo diaspora 69 Develop a toolkit for festivals 2017 Developed toolkit 70 Investigate the possibility of providing a generic insurance scheme for Mayo festivals and a sharing of equipment Agreed Insurance Scheme in place 71 Position Mayo as a MICE destination 2017 Comprehensive annual programme of conferences Training - how to promote your business to the MICE sector OBJECTIVES ACCESS & TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE Support IWAK s future development to self-sustainability Support future road network developments proposed for the county, including the N5 upgrade Support continued improvements in public transport to and within the county for tourists Develop tourist orientated transport infrastructure in key locations Action Access & Transport Infrastructure Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners ACCESS & TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE Support IWAK s future development to self-sustainability. Deliver on the Local Authority responsibilities in the Study Group Report on future development and growth options at IWAK Undertake an audit of tourism signage needs on road network, airport, marine embarkation points and primary tourism destinations Undertake a signs audit of principal visitor attractions in the county EIU/ plays a key role in delivering a sustainable future for IWAK Complete Audit Complete Audit Local Authorities Board of IWAK DTTAS Irish Rail CIE Bus Éireann IWAK Private transport operators 23

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26 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 OBJECTIVES ENTERPRISE & INVESTMENT Facilitate the provision of training to bridge the skills gap between jobseekers and tourism industry vacancies in Mayo Facilitate skill development and training for small scale tourism operators Invest in and develop key tourism infrastructure as identified in the strategy Support and encourage inward investment and future development of Mayo s tourism product Support the development of Mayo s retail landscape by encouraging short-term letting of vacant units in Mayo s key tourist locations Collaborate with other sections of, development agencies, trade and community to develop community ownership of their local tourism industry Action Enterprise & Investment Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Facilitate the provision of training to bridge the skills gap between jobseekers and tourism industry vacancies in Mayo Identify potential skills gaps in Mayo s tourism industry ENTERPRISE & INVESTMENT (then ongoing) A vehicle to identify tourism and hospitality industry skills gaps is developed LEADER Fáilte Ireland GMIT SOLAS INTREO Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB Chambers of Commerce 77 Liaise with relevant bodies such as Solas, Intreo, GMIT Castlebar and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB to facilitate development of training programmes to meet industry needs Via Mayo LEO, appropriate training programmes are developed and skills development opportunities are offered to jobseekers to meet the training and recruitment needs of the local tourism industry 78 Create and make available a database of qualified tourist guides and activity guides available within the County Q (then ongoing) A database of available qualified guides is available for those wishing to engage their services 79 Facilitate skill development and training for small scale tourism operators A Tourism Micro-Business Training/Mentoring Programme is offered by the EIU/Mayo LEO to equip the sector with the key skills required to deliver sustainable growth in their businesses (including sales & marketing, finance, the digital world, how to sell your product in an international marketplace, etc.) 80 Work with Mayo s small scale tourism operators and industry stakeholders such as Fáilte Ireland to equip the sector with the skills required to drive sustainable growth in their businesses The future for Mayo s existing tourism product is secure, particularly key assets such as accommodation providers 81 Support and encourage inward investment and future development of Mayo s tourism product Inward investment adds high quality product development to the existing tourism product base in the county 25

27 DESTINATION MAYO ACTION PLAN 2021 Action Enterprise & Investment Priority Timeframe Measurement Partners Mayo s tourism potential is included in the inward investment promotional activities of the EIU, focusing on investments that offer sustainable economic benefit for the County Support the development of Mayo s retail landscape by encouraging shortterm letting of vacant units in Mayo s key tourist locations. Liaise with Mayo LEO, its clients, wider industry representatives and landlords of vacant retail units in key tourism locations to develop a viable short-term letting proposition Inward investment in Mayo s tourism sector leads to a greater international profile for the county s tourism potential retail opportunities are created for high quality tourism related businesses such as craft and food producers, temporary exhibitions and galleries, pop up restaurants and cafes LEADER Fáilte Ireland GMIT SOLAS INTREO Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB Chambers of Commerce 84 Support town and village renewal schemes in their efforts to sustain rural towns and villages. MCC/EIU/Planning/Municipal Districts contributes to the effort to sustain the streetscapes of Mayo s towns and villages 85 Collaborate with other sections of Mayo County and agencies to develop community ownership of their local tourism industry Mayo s communities take ownership of their local tourism product, becoming local champions and reinforcing the warm Mayo welcome visitors enjoy. 86 Support Mayo s tourism industry and stakeholders in arranging familiarisation visits to product providers and destinations within the county to develop product awareness and foster crossselling of Mayo s tourism product Q2 Mayo s tourism providers become familiar with the extent of product on offer to visitors to the county, thereby better placed to recommend suitable experiences and activities and making packaging and promoting longer stays to visitors easier 26

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