Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 October 2020
45. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans to further promote and expand the tourism offering of the midlands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27382/20]
View answer52. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht her plans for the development of the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands tourism brand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26662/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 52 together.
Fáilte Ireland develops and promotes the tourism potential of Ireland’s regions in line with the relevant tourism experience brands which, in the case of the midlands, is primarily Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. I am satisfied with progress made to date by Fáilte Ireland since the launch of this tourism experience brand in April 2018 and I believe that the area has great potential for further development.
As a tourism experience brand, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands benefits from a broad programme of Fáilte Ireland supports. These supports aim to develop visitor experiences and associated tourism infrastructure and products; enhance industry capability and run targeted marketing campaigns and other promotional activity - all underpinned by coordinated leadership structures, appropriate networking and community activation. I understand the next phase of brand development will be further informed by Tourism Master Plans for the River Shannon and Beara Breifne Way – the two centrepieces of the brand offering.
As the development of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands on the ground is led by Fáilte Ireland, I have asked the agency to provide the Deputies with further detail on its plans for further brand development and expansion and promotion of the related tourism offering. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
