A new push to increase tourism and attract investment to East Galway will see businesses, tourism operators and community groups come together for a networking event in Athenry later this month.
The Uniquely East Galway – East Galway Network Event will take place at the Raheen Woods Hotel on Wednesday, October 28 from 9am to 2pm.
East Galway is part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the slow-travel tourism region centred on the River Shannon and the surrounding midland counties.
The event comes as a number of tourism initiatives and investments are under way in the region. Galway County Council is working with Fáilte Ireland on an East Galway Destination and Experience Development Plan.
The council and BIA Innovator Campus are also involved in the European SLOWDOWN project, which includes East Galway and focuses on sustainable tourism and developing more immersive visitor experiences.
Tourism investment is also being delivered through the EU Just Transition Fund, including projects supporting new visitor experiences, tourism enterprises, accommodation and sustainable tourism development.
The council has identified the development of an East Galway tourism network as a key part of its next phase of work, with the aim of building stronger relationships between businesses, communities and tourism agencies and encouraging greater cross-promotion.
New promotional resources for the region will also be showcased at the event, including an East Galway promotional video, new photography and visitor content, a new visitor map, the Ballinasloe Area Community Development website and a new website for the Battle of Aughrim.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Councillor Andrew Reddington, said the event would provide an opportunity to build on the work already taking place across the region.
“The Galway tourism success story did not happen overnight, nor did it evolve by chance. It was largely the result of collaboration and careful planning.”
“This free networking event affords everyone with an interest in East Galway tourism an opportunity to come together to further enhance East Galway’s reputation as a sustainable and vibrant destination and a must-visit part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.”
Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Tourism Development at Galway County Council, said investment in existing tourism infrastructure and continued collaboration were important to the future of the sector.
“Working closely with the sector on the ground in East Galway, including hearing their vision for tourism in the region, is a priority for Galway County Council.”
“In line with the objectives of the Galway Tourism Strategy 2023-2031, there is already significant activity and investment taking place and we want to build on that work.”
“With our partners in Fáilte Ireland, we look forward to meeting everyone interested in or directly involved in East Galway tourism at the networking event in Athenry.”
The event will include sessions on the future of East Galway tourism, local tourism successes, promoting people and place through tourism and industry insights, followed by a free networking lunch.
Tourism businesses will also be able to learn about supports available through the Local Enterprise Office, LEADER, Galway County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, as well as experience gained through the EU Just Transition Fund programme.
John Neary, Galway County Council Tourism Officer, said the event was an opportunity for businesses to have a greater say in how tourism in the region develops.
“The upcoming networking event presents local tourism operators with a valuable opportunity to explore how East Galway can improve its share of the thriving domestic tourism market, avail of tourism supports and share their ideas for how the region can further develop its tourism product.
“It is also an opportunity to embrace the benefits of being a key destination in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. All are welcome.”
According to Loretta Raftery, EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator for Galway County Council, “The Just Transition Fund has helped lay strong foundations for tourism in East Galway.”
“We now have an opportunity to build on that investment by developing a strong tourism network, connecting businesses and communities, and working together to grow East Galway as a visitor destination.”
