Galway tourism is set to benefit from the development of a modern Visitor Discovery Centre being built at Ireland West Airport Knock which will highlight all of the attractions in the west.
Joe Gilmore, Managing Director Ireland West Airport Knock this week thanked Michael Ring T.D., Minister of State for Regional Economic Development at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs for the funding announcement of €400,000 under the REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zone ) Scheme.
This funding is for the development of a state of the art Visitor Discovery Centre to be located within the Terminal Building and new regional branding points within the airport and on approach roads into the airport showcasing the best of what the West and North-West of Ireland can offer both visitors and entrepreneurs.
The development of a new innovative Visitor Discovery Centre at Ireland West Airport, will benefit overseas visitors, providing a taste of the exceptional tourism products, events and experiences that can be enjoyed in the six counties within the catchment area whilst creating a positive first impression of the West of Ireland to the one million visitors who pass through Ireland West Airport annually.
The development of a suite of new and modern branding sites at the airport to deliver promotion and advertising of the tourism experiences of the counties that make up the Ireland West Airport / local authority Partnership will also provide a major promotional vehicle to showcase the region.
The application for this funding was part of the new regional collaboration around the airport lead by Sligo and Mayo County councils and in partnership with Donegal County Council, Leitrim County Council, Roscommon County Council, Galway County Council, Galway City Council, Ireland West Airport Knock and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.
Commenting on the announcement, Joe Gilmore, added ‘These new developments will be a major boost in enhancing the experience for overseas visitors arriving into the airport and provide a new, additional and innovative method of showcasing the region and its wonderful tourism experiences.
“We look forward to working with our colleagues in Galway city and County over the coming months in delivering an enhanced presence for the Galway region at the airport, highlighting the many unique attractions, festivals and events, such as the European Capital of Culture 2020, that Galway has to offer and showcasing Galway arts, crafts, foods and experiences to an audience of over one million people annually’.
