From the Hidden Heartland to the Wild Atlantic Way, there are calls for Fermanagh to be included in cross-border tourism plans.
Posted: June 28, 2024 1:23 PM
There are growing calls for “idyllic” Fermanagh to be included in some of the major cross-border tourism schemes for the whole island, which could bring huge amounts of investment to the county.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently approved a motion calling for the county to be included in the ‘Hidden Centre’ tourism programme ahead of the busy summer period.
Under the banner of Fáilte Ireland, the ‘Hidden Heartlands’ trail has attracted large amounts of tourism to various counties and provided a major boost to the hospitality industry.
Addressing the Northern Ireland Government at Stormont, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Áine Murphy (pictured below) called for Fermanagh to be included in the “hidden heartland” plans.
“In my biased opinion, [Fermanagh’s] “This is the most idyllic constituency and I would love to see it included in Ireland’s ‘hidden heartland’,” Stormont’s Murphy said.
“Farmama’s local tourism sector has grown in recent years, and not just because of the uniqueness of the services we offer.
“The local community and hospitality industry have put in a lot of time, energy and most importantly investment into making our county the best tourist destination it can be.”
According to the Fermanagh and South Tyrone councillor, Ireland’s “Hidden Heartland” scheme generated an incredible £178 million in 2019, with 449,000 international tourists visiting the island.
Fermanagh joining the ‘Fáilte Ireland’ scheme will be a major boost to the local economy, with many businesses struggling due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“As time goes on and the Hidden Heartlands strategy reaches a wider audience, we’re confident visitor numbers will continue to grow,” Murphy said.
“I think it would be a missed opportunity if Fermanagh and Tyrone are not included.”
Fáilte Ireland also runs the hugely successful “Wild Atlantic Way” tour, a 2,500km coastal route that has become one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland and even Europe.
Recently there have been growing calls for Fermanagh to be included in the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ circuit.
Enniskillen Business Improvement District (BID) manager Noel McAloon feels the Wild Atlantic Way will bring huge benefits to the county’s tourism and hospitality industries.
“If that happens, we’ll just be delighted,” McAloon said.
“The Wild Atlantic Way has been the envy of many tourism and community organisations, including myself.
“At the recent board meeting [of Enniskillen BID]”We’ve been talking about it and figuring out how we can get involved. This is definitely good timing,” she added.
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Posted: June 28, 2024 1:23 PM
