Tourism body offers ‘freebies’ to attract Irish visitors

A BIG ‘freebie’ strategy to draw more home tourists to the Mid-West will be sweetened by free wine.

Free dolphin watching trips, bottles of wine and children’s camps are being used to attract more people to the region.

Shannon Development, the regional tourism organisation, said yesterday competition in the regions to attract Irish visitors is more intense than ever before.

John King of Shannon Development said: “Competition for the home market will be stronger than ever, with all tourism regions throughout Ireland actively promoting their areas.

“This is why Shannon Development is working even harder this year, in partnership with the Shannon region tourism trade, to grow the Shannon region home holiday business.”

Domestic tourism accounts for €125 million in revenue to the Mid-West and is the region’s single biggest tourism market.

Mr King said the region was embarking on a big ‘freebie’ promotion.

“We will offer free dolphin-watching trips, free bottles of wine, free bicycle hire, free over 50s clubs, free accommodation for children, free kiddies’ summer camps throughout the year, free afternoon tea, and free walking maps.”

All of these offers are contained in a new Extra Value Holidays holiday guide produced by Shannon Development in association with members of the Shannon region tourism trade. The brochure will kick start Shannon Development’s home holiday campaign launched at the Holiday World Show which began in the RDS in Dublin yesterday and runs until Sunday.

“The Extra Value Holidays guide will encourage people to take an early holiday break, with tourism interests in the region offering extra value breaks from January through to June 2006.

“The guide highlights the fantastic value-for-money packages and some of the great options available to families, couples, groups and individuals in a region of scenic beauty, dramatic seascapes, great activities, fine food and entertainment,” said Mr King.

He said value extras in accommodation throughout the region included additional free nights

“Children stay free, and discount admissions vouchers to a range of local visitor attractions can be downloaded from our website www.shannonregiontourism.ie,” Mr King said.