Clare tourism providers go on tour

Dozens of Clare tourism providers will embark on a tour of visitor attractions throughout the County during April and May, as part of an initiative to build referral business within the local sector.
The Clare Tourism Forum has organised a series of familiarisation tours that will take place in East, West, North and South Clare over the coming weeks.
Chair of Clare Tourism Forum, Barbara Faulkner explains the thinking behind the initiative.
“By broadening their knowledge and experience of other tourism attractions within County Clare, individual operators will be better positioned to promote the wider tourism sector and in doing so accrue the benefits of fellow operators doing likewise,” she stated.
Ms. Faulkner continued, “Flagship attractions such as Bunratty Castle, Aillwee Cave and the Cliffs of Moher have for decades attracted thousands of visitors to County Clare. While these popular tourist sites have made immeasurable contributions to the local economy, it is important that tourism operators are suitably informed to educate visitors about the host of other tourism attractions and activities in other parts of the county.
“This is important not only for the future development of the local tourism sector, but the wider economy as County Clare seeks to meet the challenges posed by the global downturn and the increased competition from other tourism markets.”
Ms Faulkner explained that the objectives of the Clare Tourism Forum are to represent the best interests of tourism in Clare, to develop and promote a Clare brand, and to serve as a funding mechanism for the ongoing promotion of the county as a visitor destination. 
“Central to the Forum’s success in achieving these goals is the education of our members in terms of the services provided by other operators working within the local sector. Referral business is key to maximising the amount of money and time spent by visitors to Clare”, she added.
The first of the familiarisation tours takes place on Tuesday, April 17 when tourism operators visit a range of visitor attractions in West Clare.  The tour will include visits to the West Clare Railway in Moyasta, the Vandeleur Walled Gardens in Kilrush, Kilkee Promenade, Doonbeg Golf Club, the Eco Campsite in Kilkee, Loop Head Lighthouse, and the Bridges of Ross and Little Ark Church. 
A local historian also will join the group and provide information and interesting facts on the Loop Head Peninsula and the wider West Clare area.
The North Clare familiarisation tour will be held on Wednesday, April 25, with additional tours scheduled to take place in East and South Clare during May.
Tourism operators interested in joining a tour should contact the Clare Tourism Forum office on 065-6846537 or email ctf@clarecoco.ie.