News Release -
Helping Limerick to Make its Tourism Mark
John King and Pat Daly from Shannon Development talk about
Limerick’s growing national and international tourism reputation
“As the Regional Tourism Authority for the Shannon Region, Shannon Development is committed to delivering new opportunities and strong growth for Limerick and the Shannon Region in 2007 and beyond. Limerick tourism is gaining growth from all segments of the tourism market - domestic and international markets, particularly short stays, city breaks, gateway holidays. In addition business tourism, and the hosting of key sporting and other events are all generating good returns for Limerick tourism”, says John King Heritage and Tourism Director, Shannon Development.
“Shannon Development is constantly identifying new opportunities to get the tourism message out there and to increase the profile of Limerick as a tourist destination. Internationally we work with a range of contacts to enhance the reputation of the city and county as a must visit tourism destination. Last year Shannon Development and city interests formed a new partnership with Brescia tourism in Italy. The links that have been established are proving mutually beneficial to Limerick and our Italian partners”, says Pat Daly, Tourism Marketing Manager, Shannon Development.
“As the regional gateway Limerick is well positioned to benefit from the growth in air services. Tourism is a hugely competitive market and the city must continually reinvent itself in terms of what it can offer visitors, in fact we always need to be at least one step ahead of the competition. For example we identified and undertook overseas promotions in areas with high potential for generating additional traffic through Shannon International Airport. As part of this we supported the new direct Ryanair Biarritz route to Shannon by organising a very successful media and travel trade blitz in Biarritz for French and Spanish media. This has led to a recent visit by travel media from France and Spain to Limerick. And the city will shortly be featured on top television programmes, radio stations and travel magazines in those countries.
Shannon Development is also working with Limerick City Council on the restoration of the Park Canal which will provide a link between the medieval city of Limerick and the University of Limerick campus. The €1.2 million restoration project will act as a catalyst for residential, commercial, leisure and tourist related developments that will complement the substantial investment that has already taken place in the city centre,” says Mr. King.
“Limerick is the cultural capital of the Mid West region. It is a vibrant city for culture and entertainment; home to the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Irish World Music Centre, the Island Theatre Group, DAGDA Dance Company, and other professional artistic groups with numerous festivals, galleries, theatres, museums and libraries. These include the historic Belltable Arts Centre, state of the art University Concert Hall and the Millennium Theatre in L.I.T.(Limerick Institute Of Technology). Limerick's castles, ancient walls and museums are testament to its dramatic past.
Limerick is ideal for a short city break or a longer holiday. Very few cities can offer what Limerick has – all of the amenities, activities and attractions of a modern city with the countryside right on its doorstep within a few minutes drive.
The city has a growing reputation as a trendy, cosmopolitan city, and by night visitors are enjoying traditional pubs, a myriad of nightclubs in a city where social interaction is at the heart of its nightlife. It boasts an exceptional heritage precinct with attractions like the Treaty Stone and King John's Castle. It also houses the world-renowned Hunt Museum and hosts the EV+A festival, an exhibition of visual arts that has carved out an enviable international reputation down through the years. The Limerick College of Art and Design is renowned for producing top class graduates in the field of art and other creative fields. Limerick's social life is richly catered for with an abundance of award-winning restaurants”, said Mr. Daly.
“Improved road systems in and around the city has brought it within easy reach of some of Ireland’s finest golf courses, marine activities, nature trails and heritage sites. Not only do we have angling on the Shannon, golf, but also a variety of other open-air activities including the hugely successful Riverfest festival in May each year. We also have Olympic size swimming pool at the University of Limerick as well as a range of top class sporting facilities at the UL Arena.
As part of its ongoing promotion of the city, Shannon Development continually organises visits into the region for tourism influencers including top Ryanair staff based in markets across Europe, international tour operators, and overseas travel media from around the world. Recently a top US radio stations which is syndicated to an audience of over 20 million people in the US and Canada broadcast live from the city. This was an excellent opportunity to showcase the city and the region as a quality tourism destination.
We are already well into work on our 2008 tourism marketing programme and as part of this we will continue to target key influencers who can help us in selling our tourism message”, says John King, Tourism and Heritage Director, Shannon Development”, said Mr. King in conclusion.
At last year’s Holiday Fair at the University Arena, Limerick were: Massimo Ghidelli, Director, Brescia Tourism, Italy (centre) with John King, Director Tourism & Heritage, Shannon Development (left) and Pat Daly, Manager Limerick, Shannon Development.
End
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Nandi O’Sullivan
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