South East to be promoted at tourism congress

WATERFORD and the South East are to be promoted to tourism and industry leaders from the top 100 cities in the world at a major international congress this summer.

A delegation led by Waterford Chamber of Commerce is bound for Durban in South Africa for the World Chamber Congress from June 20 to 22. It will be a unique opportunity for the chamber to promote Waterford and the south east, according to Chamber chief executive Frank O’Donoghue.

“This is a major exhibition featuring 100 of the top cities in the world. Over the few days, we will be exploring ways of promoting Waterford and the South East to delegations from all over the world.

“We hope that there would be tourism, industrial and commercial spin-offs for the region. We hope to help companies here to get more export markets.

“Or maybe companies from abroad could link up with entrepreneurs here with a view to building up technological transfers, using Waterford and the South East as bases for companies hoping to expand into Europe,” the chief executive added.

Waterford Chamber of Commerce won the Chamber of the Year Award in 2004, a prestigious honour bestowed by the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland. The World Chamber Congress is one of the most exciting ventures for the group and it is hoped that it will help with significant spin-offs for the region.

Figures released in the past days show that income per capita in the south east is lower than many other parts of the country, and on a par only with the western seaboard.

While disposable income in Waterford is at 92% of the national average, it has improved since the last figures issued which showed it had just 88%.

In a bid to address such demographics, the chamber is spearheading a major development plan for the region. The South East Agenda (SEA) 2020 report is due to be published in May.

The report will propose ways in which the South East can be driven forward in the future at a more rapid pace. Among the issues which are anticipated to be highlighted in the report are the need for better access by road, rail, air and sea in the region. Significant investment is seen as critical in the roads network and the South East Regional Airport in Waterford.

The SEA 2020 report is also likely to press again for university status for Waterford Institute of Technology. It is the only gateway city in the country without a university.

The full report is due in May and will be presented to the Department of the Environment.