As we enter the peak tourism season, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring has said Mayo continues to feature prominently in Ireland’s overseas tourism promotions.
“Summer has finally arrived and we are now entering the most important time of the year for those whose livelihood depends on the tourism sector.
“From my discussions with the tourism agencies, I am delighted to hear of how the hard work of many local people in making the most of Mayo’s fantastic natural assets is being reflected in our overseas promotions. At local level we all know of the wonderful product we have to offer, and it is great that Mayo is playing its part in getting the message out that there has never been a better time to visit Ireland, both in terms of the value available and the visitor experience on the ground,” he said.
Thanks to the efforts of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, there have been a number of recent media articles focused on Mayo in publications in countries including Great Britain, France, Germany, and Switzerland. Among the topics covered were fishing, walking on Croagh Patrick, and the Greenway. According to Minister Ring the tourism agencies have already committed to continue to bring travel media to Mayo in the coming months to sample the wonderful and varied tourism offering.
“Tourism Ireland, the agency responsible for the overseas promotion of Ireland as a tourist destination, has an intensive co-operative marketing campaign under way in Great Britain, Italy, Spain and Germany to promote routes into Ireland West Airport Knock,” added Minister Ring.
He continued: “But Mayo has lots more to offer if we keep working on making our tourism offering as competitive and attractive as we can. I was delighted to recently launch the final route for the Wild Atlantic Way at Meitheal, which includes the whole Mayo coastline and offers great potential for tourism growth in the years ahead.
“Building on the profile and success of initiatives like the Greenway, which is recognised as a European Destination of Excellence Award winner, we can be sure that the tourism agencies have plenty to tempt overseas visitors to Mayo. Whether you want to walk, cycle, or drive, climb mountains or paddle kayaks, play golf or have great food, we can offer it with some of the most beautiful scenery to be found anywhere.”
According to Minister Ring The Gathering initiative has captured the imagination of the people of Ireland and Mayo in particular with 158 Gatherings planned for his native county this summer.
“With this level of activity and the on-going marketing activity overseas, even if I can’t guarantee the weather, I am very confident that it will be a great summer for tourism in Mayo,” concluded Minister Ring.
