Tourism operators’ positive outlook

There is growing confidence in the tourism sector, with over half of operators polled in a special Clare Tourism Forum survey confident that the industry had turned the corner.

The survey of 100 operators found that 57% are confident 2013 will bring an increase in tourism business, with a quarter forecasting business levels would be similar to last year. 

Meanwhile, the majority of those surveyed say they are more hopeful for a recovery in the Irish tourism sector this year than they were last year, while 87% say they plan to either maintain or increase existing staffing levels during 2013.

Just 13% of operators say they are planning to reduce staff numbers this year.

Maureen Cleary, marketing executive, Clare Tourism Forum, said Clare tourism operators have responded well to the shift in visitor trends in recent years.

“While not neglecting the potential offered to Clare tourism by the international visitor market, a huge amount of work is being carried out by operators, both individually and collectively, to market the county’s many wonderful attractions to the domestic market,” she said.

Last week, 300 people involved in the Clare tourism sector gathered at Dromoland to participate in the annual Clare Tourism Forum Gala Networking Evening. The purpose of the free business-to-business event was to provide tourism providers with the opportunity to showcase their respective operations to the wider local tourism industry. 

The event also featured more than 68 tourism information stands from hospitality and tourism operators and showcased Clare’s growing food tourism offering.

Fiona Monaghan from Fáilte Ireland made a presentation on the Wild Atlantic Way, the proposed new driving route for Ireland’s west coast. The presentation was followed by a round-table discussion facilitated by the Clare Tourism Forum Working Group.

Following the networking event,  Donnagh Gregson, chairperson of the Clare Tourism Forum, stressed the continued need for tourism operators to work together to increase tourism business in the county.

“The local tourism sector continues to face challenges in an increasingly competitive and commercial marketplace. However, Clare tourism and hospitality operators are actively working together to capture and increase visitor numbers to the county. Networking events such as this help consolidate Clare’s growing status as a competitive and appealing destination to both domestic and international visitors alike. This event also helps to promote collaboration between our members and other agencies involved in the promotion of tourism at home and abroad.”