COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPC

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

HEADED ITEM NO.3

HEADED ITEM: T. Shanahan

Update on County Tourism Strategy

REPLY:

Following the formation of a Tourism Interests Working Group in September, comprising elected members and local and regional stakeholders in Tourism, the Council initiated a tender process, informed by the Group, for the engagement of tourism consultants to develop a strategy and action plan for tourism development in the County.

Following this process Tourism Development International were engaged in November and having completed field visits, market research and consultation in late December finalised stage 1, Situational Analysis - identifying strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for tourism development in the County. The stage 1 report is attached for information.

Stage 2, Strategic Options, which will take place during January, will focus in greater detail on the emerging vision of the Countys selling points from a tourism perspective which at present at the broadest level are; Business Tourism, Outdoor Activities, Sports, with supporting interventions in cultural heritage throughout the County. Further consultations and site visits will inform potential tourism products matching this strategic vision.

The final stage during February will provide a Strategic Plan and Roadmap for Tourism development for our County.

Progress on the Strategy will be reported to, and informed by, the Working Group and the Economic, Enterprise and Tourism SPC.

The strategy will influence the future development of both ongoing projects currently funded by the Council including village schemes, signage, and events and festivals and will also identify new product opportunities to enhance County promotion and attract tourist visitors to the County.

It will also identify funding opportunities, resource requirements and potential alliances/structures to support the actions identified.