Coastal group to woo French with tourism mission
Around 70 people have been invited as guests of honour to the La Rochelle Boat show, the largest harbour boat show in Europe, which typically attracts more than 100,000 visitors.
The La Rochelle region boasts more yachts than all of Ireland and the mission, led by Cork County Council, hopes to encourage their owners to visit our southern coastal region on holidays.
No expense is being spared in an effort to woo the French.
Fáilte Ireland and the county council will host several receptions on board the Irish naval vessel, the LÉ Niamh, while the Irish training vessel Asgard II will also fly the flag at the show, which takes place from September 10 to 15.
Cork has been granted the honour of having the show’s grand marshall and Barcelona Round the World Race winner, Damien Foxall, has accepted the invitation.
The Cork contingent will have the largest stand in the 9,500sq foot pavilion, where they will showcase food, crafts, drinks, water sports, sailing and tourism activities.
They will also create an Irish-themed restaurant, with menus set by Fáilte Ireland, in addition to an Irish pub.
Daily entertainment will be provided by Youghal-based dance troupe Dancing Through The Ages, The Walsh Dance Academy from Macroom, and bands from Limerick and Sligo.
Thousands of dvds featuring what Cork has to offer will also be distributed.
Noel O’Driscoll, one of the project organisers, said the La Rochelle area was a readymade market with the potential to generate huge tourism revenue for the county.
“This is a huge event. It’s not only tourism we’re talking about because we are also looking at fostering business opportunities, which is why Cork Chamber of Commerce is going. We also hope to get the IDA involved and representatives from the Irish Embassy will be there,” Mr O’Driscoll said.
He added that French tv, radio and print media were already lined up to do features on what the Cork region had to offer.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
