Tourism is recognised as an important driver of the local, regional and national economies, and therefore is a central component of the economic ambitions of all local authorities. The tourism objectives for each local area are clearly stated in each Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).
In March, 2017 each local authority launched the Tourism Strategy Statements and Workplans. These are aligned with the objectives of the LECPs. The Tourism Strategy Statements and Workplans are aligned with local, regional and national strategies and plans, in particular the Regional Action Plans for Jobs and the Government’s tourism policy, ‘People, Place and Policy: Growing Tourism to 2025’.
The local government sector has traditionally played an important role in supporting tourism development of local areas. This included the provision of infrastructure, the development of tourist attractions and experiences, support for festivals and events and the implementation of tourist promotion plans. Tourism plans, policies and development objectives are core elements of the County and City Development Plans.
Importantly, the sector mobilised a network of stakeholders including agencies, community groups and the private sector to invest in and promote their local tourist offering. These activities were driven by the ambition of each local authority to harness the development opportunity of areas throughout Ireland as places to live in, invest in and visit in a sustainable way.
Please see the latest Tourism Activity Report 2016 and infographic below.
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