Write a commentA Tourism Marketing Plan for Newry, Mourne and Down Council has been approved at this weeks Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism (ERT) meeting in Newry.
The plan aims to significantly grow visitor volume and revenue to attractions, events, and into the hospitality and tourism business in Newry, Mourne and Down.
The plan investigates how people plan and book their trips with digital platforms playing a crucial part in the decision making process of every facet of the holiday experience.
The plan names 4 regional areas to market, Mourne, Strangford, Ring of Gullion and Downpatrick and surrounding areas. It also notes event based and attraction based marketing opportunities in music, activity tourism, seasonal, summer events, arts and heritage and forest and country parks, beaches and natural heritage sites.
A video presentation was shown at the ERT meeting and discussion mentioned 5 different hotels causing Newry Cllr Charlie Casey to remark that everybody wants to believe their area is the best but he thought it strange that five hotels had been mentioned for accommodation but top quality premier hotel, the Canal Court in Newry never got a mention.
After the plan approval Slieve Gullion Cllr Pete Byrne said plans to develop the region into a premier tourism destination are finally being realised.
‘The Tourism Strategy was developed in partnership with local tourism and hospitality businesses in order to give the any visitor an authentic look at what our region has to offer. The marketing campaign will highlight what is unique about our district including our beautiful mountains and the stories we have to tell. The work by Council over the last year in developing a strategy combined with this campaign shows that we are serious about realising our tourism potential. Our Council has shown real leadership and forward planning in the development of this strategy recognising that tourism can drive economic growth and job creation."
