A place apart as Clonakilty scoops top Euro prize for tourism

ALL tourist roads may soon lead to west Cork following the success of the Clonakilty district in a prestigious competition funded and organised by Fáilte Ireland and the European Union.

With just a six-week window of opportunity from preparation to final adjudication, the Clonakilty district, stretching from Rosscarbery to Courtmacsherry, has swept aside some of Ireland’s best known holiday destinations to reign supreme as overall winner.

Roy Maguire, coordinator of the submission by the Clonakilty and District Chamber of Tourism, said he was absolutely delighted with the result.

“Many people, both in Ireland and other parts of Europe, will now be anxious to find out why our region has been awarded the title of European Destinations of Excellence — Best Emerging Rural Tourism Destination 2007 above all others,” he said.

As part of the award, a special promotion and marketing team are travelling throughout west Cork compiling images for a special DVD which will be used throughout Europe to promote Clonakilty.

The euro-wide promotion will focus on Rosscarbery, Rathbarry, Ardfield, Clonakilty, Ballinscarthy, Timoleague, Courtmacsherry and all the areas in between.

According to Fáilte Ireland, Clonakilty District demonstrated how it builds the capacity of villages and product providers outside of the hub through environmental education, local supports and training, the use of local produce, accommodation networks, innovation, product development, and town enhancements to grow business in outlying communities.

“The primary aim of this European Destinations of Excellence competition is to highlight the value, diversity and shared characteristics of European tourist destinations and to promote destinations where the economic growth objective is to ensure the social, cultural and environmental sustainability of tourism,” said Fiona Buckley, acting manager, Fáilte Ireland South West.

The competition attracted entries from areas that have implemented marketing initiatives that aim to preserve local, natural and cultural heritage, while also ensuring the area’s social, cultural and environmental sustainability.

As part of its win, Clonakilty District will also receive an energy waste audit and management plan and a three-year marketing plan as well as the DVD production.

In addition, the EU will feature the west Cork district in an international promotion of the destination at an EU ceremony during the up-coming 2007 Euro-pean Tourism Forum in Portugal.

“The adjudicators were very impressed with the variety of products, the high standards and commitment of the local groups which they met throughout the preliminary rounds.

“Each group recognised their destination’s needs and demonstrated an awareness of the need for ongoing improvement of their tourism experience.

“The future for rural tourism lies not just in innovative product offering and sustainable tourism initiatives, but also in the commitment, energy and enthusiasm of local networks”, said Ms Buckley, Fáilte Ireland.

The 11 finalists were Tipperary Lakeside; Ballyhoura; Leighlinbridge; Slieve Blooms; Westport; Inis Mór; Howth; Beara Peninsula; Clonakilty District; Kerry Geo Park and Inishowen.