Development body to promote eco-tourism in the west

The body set up to promote economic and social development in the west of the country is promoting so-called eco-tourism in an effort to address declining visitor numbers.

The Western Development Commission said today that it was changing focus in an effort to halt a 20% decline in visitors to the region over the past five years.

It said it was promoting the Green Box initiative that offers tourists an alternative type of holiday combining locally produced organic food, arts and crafts and outdoor pursuits.