Loop Head Tourism delegates head to Brussels

REPRESENTATIVES of the Loop Head peninsula are going to Brussels on Monday to collect their award for European Destination of Excellence, which was won earlier this year.
The delegates from West Clare, who will collect the award at the European Commission Charlemagne Building, are Ann Haugh of the Stella Maris Hotel and John Williams, secretary of Loop Head Tourism. Next Monday is designated European Tourism Day.
While there, the delegates will have discussions on furthering the role of eco-tourism in the overall European economy.
They are confident that some good can flow from these contacts at the highest level of European Tourism.
The competition was run by the European Commission to promote lesser known tourist areas, which have a lot to offer the discerning tourist.
To win the competition this year, Loop Head had to show commitment to social, cultural and environmental sustainability. Loop Head won on the quality of its aquatic tourism products, such as dolphin watching, sea fishing, water sports, quality beaches and spectacular cliff scenery all supported by committed local people.
It is surrounded on all sides by European designated nature areas from Poulnasherry Bay to Kilkee Reefs and on to Loop Head. Because of the unspoilt nature of the area, Fáilte Ireland is keen that Loop Head becomes synonymous with eco-tourism, which is the way forward for sustainable tourism.
This will mean that among the new products coming down stream will be walking routes, cycling routes, more substantial festivals and an environment interpretative centre based on earth sciences and geology.
A bird watching centre is being mooted, as well as a link bridge to Bishop’s Island. To back this up, Fáilte Ireland has already contributed substantially to marketing and promotion of Loop Head and it is envisaged by tourism interests in West Clare that this will show results over the coming years.