The Wild Atlantic Way the journey of a lifetime! Outline of the - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Wild Atlantic Way… the journey of a lifetime!

Outline of the Meeting

Meeting Outline Welcome and Introductions 6.00pm 10mins Wild Atlantic Way – The Proposition 6.10pm 30mins Conversation 1 6.40pm 20mins Introductions and Priority Attractors Conversation 2 7.00pm 15mins Hidden Gems Conversation 3 7.15pm 25mins Maximising Opportunities Feedback and Close 7.40pm 20mins

What is The Wild Atlantic Way ?

…the longest defined coastal touring route in the world.

An intriguing convergence of land and sea … ….stretching 2,500 km of magnificent West of Ireland coastline from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork.

Why the Wild Atlantic Way ?

Tourism project of scale and singularity for Ireland’s West Coast

A long term strategic development project bench marked against the likes of The Great Ocean Road in Australia, The Garden Route in South Africa, The Norwegian Tourist Routes to name a few.

Significant development & investment over the next 5- 10 years

The Project Aims To generate and sustain economic opportunity and economic development through tourism in the west coast of Ireland. To increase visitors numbers, dwell time, spend and satisfaction within the destinations and to drive an increase in visitor numbers to less visited areas. To increase mobility between destinations To provide linkages between and added value to a range of attractions and activities . To provide trade cohesion around the brand.

2014 is just the beginning and we want you to come on the journey with us

Highlights o Europe’s last Atlantic frontier o Wild & rugged untamed natural beauty o Dramatic land & seascapes o World famous views and sites o Unique and ancient heritage o A living traditional Gaelic culture – evidenced in music, games, dance & crafts o Defiant settlements & strongholds o Cultural festivals and celebrations o An abundance of quality, local food experiences o Invigorating land and water based activities

• 1,939 Accomm Premises • 516 Attractions • 1,573 Activities • 580 F & E • 17 Trails & 50 Looped Walks • 53 Blue Flag Beaches • 120 Golf Courses • 569 Other

The Route

Business Development Plan ‘ Engaged Irish trade executing integrated Product, Sales and Marketing Plans’

• 159 Discovery Points - most of these at existing viewing points already accessible • 15 “Signature” Discovery Points • 3 Signature Points in Donegal with an additional 32 Discovery Points

The Customer

Bringing the WAW to the Consumer

Drive Experience Seekers…... “driving on the edge”  159 Discovery Points  15 “Iconic” Discovery Points  Signage  Good Road Surface  Top 10 Attractions along the route

Landscape Experience Seekers…... “exploring on the edge”  Unique landscapes & microclimates  Flora & Fauna •  Whale & Dolphin Watching  Bird Watching  Exploring seascapes by boat  Slow Food

Culture & Heritage Experience Seekers…... “culture on the edge”  Unique language, music & dance  Traditional crafts •  Great Festivals  Unique Gaelic Games  Poets, Playwrights & Storytellers  Island Life  Folklore & Legends

Active Experience Seekers…... “active on the edge”  Coastal walks & trails  Great surfing locations  World Class Links Golf  Sailing  Blue Flag Beaches  Coastal Adventure Events  Game & Sea Angling  Scuba Diving

Selling the Wild Atlantic Way

Selling the Wild Atlantic Way

Selling the Wild Atlantic Way

Break Out Session

Let’s agree….. • Please turn mobile phones off! • Headline your ideas, then give background • Keep track of your own ideas as others speak • Share the airtime! • No need to evaluate ideas • We have note takers/facilitators at each table • Spokes person needed for feedback at the end • Everyone is responsible for the success of the workshop

Conversation 1 Put yourself in the shoes of a potential visitor from overseas. What are the top three attractors that will entice visitors to this part of the Wild Atlantic Way?

Conversation 2 What are the hidden gems in this area that overseas visitors will go home and tell their friends about?

Conversation 3 What can your community do to encourage international visitors to linger longer in this area?

Feedback Let’s hear your favourite Hidden Gems

Contact Us wild.atlanticway@failteireland.ie www.failteireland.ie/waw

Next Steps

Thank You