Tourism Development “The Laois Experience” Presentation by Mr. Ian McCormack A/Director of Services Laois County Council
Tourism Development“The Laois Experience”
Presentation by Mr. Ian McCormack
A/Director of Services Laois County Council
Background
• Operating from a low base
• Recognising the importance of tourism for the economy
• Core objective – achievement of a sustainable tourism product
Seeking to exploit our existing assets
• Central location
• Accessibility
• Natural Environment
• Built Environment
23 Qualifying Roses on a visit to Bally fin House - June 2011
What did Laois do?
• Appointed a full-time Tourism
Officer
• Produced a Tourism Strategy
• Reconstituted Laois Tourism
BoardBallintubbert House & Gardens
Objectives of Laois Tourism• Establish Co. Laois as premier events
destination• Revamp Laois Tourism
website/Facebook page• Publish quarterly newsletter• TV advertising campaigning promoting
the county• Create an atmosphere, e.g., Bunting• Establish 4 subcommittees
www.laoistourism.ie
Festivals & Events• Rose of Tralee Irish Regional Finals• Laois International Golf Challenge• World Street Entertainment
Championships• Gordon Bennett Classic Car Run• Leinster Fleadh• Gospel Rising• Heartlands Car Rally• Support for local festivals – Durrow
Howya & Scarecrow Festival, Stradbally Steam Rally, etc.
Civic Reception at Áras An Chontae for Roses,with Rosebuds & Escorts June 2011
Street Performance World Championships Portlaoise June 11th & 12th 2011
Gordon Bennett Classic Car Run 2011
Heartland’s Rally 2011 to Co. LaoisJune 11th & 12th
Gospel Rising May 6th – 8th Portlaoise
Current Projects• Calendar of events 2012
• Finalise Garden Trail Brochure
• Business Development Plan for Festivals
• Engage Festival Co-ordinator
Laois Garden Trail
Other Exciting Projects
• Donaghmore Famine Workhouse Project
• Slieve Bloom Biker Project
• Tourism & Business Centre
• Street Covering
Success.......• Attributable to:– Strength and expertise of the Laois Tourism
Board
– Co-operation from the local business community
– Collaboration with An Garda Síochána, Civil Defence and the Local Authority
– Active participation of community/voluntary groups
– Good working relationships with Fáilte Ireland and Laois Partnership Company
Durrow Howya & Scarecrow Festival 2011
Stradbally Steam Rally
Thank you
Any Questions?