Boost for Loop Head aquatic tourism

THE Loop Head tourism group, which last week won Ireland’s European Destination of Excellence award, feels that the accolade will be a springboard for developing sustainable aquatic tourism in the area.
The group is a partnership of local organisations who are committed to providing a quality tourist experience, while safeguarding the lifestyles and biodiversity that makes the peninsula a unique place to live and visit. The group won the European award in the aquatic section.
The group consists of Kilkee business people Cillian Murphy (chairman), John Williams, Kilkee Chamber president, Johnny Redmond; and Kilkee-based architect Tom Byrne.
“We always knew that we were a hidden gem with something special in terms of a tourism product and this award was just affirmation for one of the best-kept secrets in the West of Ireland,” the group said in a statement to The Clare Champion.
“The award points to the fact that elements with varying tourism products can come together with one positive aim in mind and succeed. This European-wide recognition was never envisaged as an end in itself but rather a springboard to develop sustainable and responsible tourism with no disruption to the fragile ecosystems on the peninsula.
“The judges were rightly impressed by the natural and un-spoilt beauty of the flora, fauna, geology and the determination of Loop Head Tourism to develop a product that would not adversely impact on them,” the statement added.
The group will receive €5,000 for business development support initiatives in the coming months.
Held in 22 European states, the competition was funded and organised by Fáilte Ireland and the European Union.
The competition sought a sustainable tourism destination in Ireland, which demonstrated an innovative approach to aquatic and marine tourism.