16/07/2010 -

Developing a Strategic Plan for Tourism in Sligo

Sligo County Council hosted a public consultation evening recently to discuss the development of a strategic plan for tourism in County Sligo. The forum was hosted for people engaged in the tourism industry, from accommodation providers, activity providers, people involved in service industries, representatives of the state sector and members of the public.

(Left to Right) Kieran Swail, Tourism Transport Consultants ; Michael Carty, Sligo County Council; Sharon Burton, Tourism Transport Consultants and Noel Sweeney, Tourism Transport Consultants

Opening the Forum was Rita McNulty, Director of Services for Community, Enterprise, Arts and Environmental Services.  Rita highlighted the need for economic growth with tourism providing one route for Sligo to help itself out of the current economic situation.  Following this was an outline of the existing position Sligo from Tourism Transport Consultants (TTC), who facilitated the session.

Rita McNulty, Director of Services, Sligo County Council

The large gathering broke out into hour long workshops where the issues presenting in Sligo were identified.  The need for a clear brand position was also considered.  The lively discussion concluded with a plenary session where the main points were distilled down and general consensus achieved.

TTC’s Noel Sweeney in his concluding remarks provided insight into future tourism trends.  This consultation process marks an ongoing stage in the County Development Board’s support for a County Sligo Tourism Strategy incorporating clear unique selling points and allied branding.  A message made loud and clear from the participants was the need for a collective approach to unlocking the potential of Sligo’s many tourism assets. 

The County Development Boards priority for a County Sligo Tourism Strategy is timely and the consensus achieved from this well attended and supported event bodes well for the strategic document to be in place for the 2011 tourism season.