Kilkenny is ranked in the top five Irish destinations and that needs to be strengthened and improved if the tourism industry in Kilkenny city and county is to survive 2009.
“This is going to be a difficult year for tourism in Kilkenny, however the work that has been put into building up our tourism base should help us through this difficult period.” says Kilkenny Tourism Chairperson John Cleere. “Kilkenny tourism, which has representatives from all sectors of the tourism industry in the county, is working together in a focussed manner to promote Kilkenny. We have no alternative but to be positive and push our tourism product both at home and abroad. We will be putting a big effort into online promotion, using all new media channels to communicate to our audience.”
Consultant to Kilkenny Tourism, Brid O’Connell of Welcome Marketing says “There is money out there, what’s missing is “spending confidence”- people are afraid that their “rainy day” has come and they need to stop everything. However, if tourism operators in Kilkenny city and county can reassure the market that they are offering the best value for money and offer a high end delivery in service, they will attract business. They will have to work harder to get it and reduce their offers significantly, however it is still there for the taking, especially in the domestic market”.
Kilkenny has for the last number of years enjoyed a positive reputation in the domestic market — it now needs to work on this, develop new databases and ensure they generate repeat business by delivering the very best in tourism service.
To guarantee this confidence, Kilkenny Tourism has already committed to an intensive online marketing campaign using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Google advertising.
Regional radio campaigns promoting Kilkenny’s many festival and events will continue and increase for 2009 — this will link events and breaks to Kilkenny, thus bringing much sought after business to Kilkenny.
“While it’s going to be tough, all the various sectors are working together to maximise our share of the market. We will be working with Failte Ireland, the local authorities and with other tourism agencies in the coming months to ensure that Kilkenny is kept to the forefront of tourism in Ireland," said an optimistic John Cleere.
