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?