Tourism hotspots to launch joint push for more visitors

MUNSTER’S top tourist hotspots are to pool their pulling power in a new drive to boost visitor numbers.

South East Tourism in Waterford is to enter into a marketing partnership with Cork Kerry Tourism to promote Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary from Cork Airport.

Promoting the region from the airport, as well as through the Europort in Rosslare, is critical for the future development of tourism in the south-east, according to Joe Palmer, chief executive of South East Tourism.

“Tourism Ireland is looking very seriously at special promotional initiatives for 2006. These will focus attention on air access into the south of Ireland. That will make the corridor between Waterford and Cork all the more important in terms of air access and future tourism growth,” Mr Palmer said.

“We see Cork Airport and the expansion of air service in there as potentially having a major impact on our tourism growth.”

It has been a difficult year for some in the sector but the south-east faired well compared to other hubs. One of the major draws was the Tall Ships Race which brought 250,000 people to Waterford.

“It was a good year for some, very difficult for others. The bed and breakfast sector has had it tough. They have been hit by very stiff competition from cut-price hotel rooms. But we remain very optimistic,” he said. “On December 5, Tourism Ireland will be launching the marketing programme for 2006. We will then follow that up with our own regional launch on January 11 in Waterford where we will outline our strategies for 2006.”

Meanwhile, it has been a busy year at the South East Regional Airport in Waterford. Figures to be released on Monday at the airport’s AGM are likely to show a significant upturn in business. Pressure is growing though to introduce link flights to Dublin and to extend the runway so that larger aircraft can land in Waterford.