Fáilte Ireland has announced the development of a Cork harbour tourism plan to “ enhance the visitor experience” and “unlock” its tourism potential.
The plan, developed in partnership with Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Port of Cork, aims to “position Cork Harbour as a world-class tourism destination and support the sustainable development of this area into a must-visit destination”, it says.
It has been billed as a key element of Fáilte Ireland’s five-year “Destination and Experience Development Plan” (DEDP) for Cork city, harbour and east Cork.
The tourism body says it will “create a focal point for Cork’s maritime story, seeking to improve accessibility, capacity, interpretation, visitor facilities, visitor flow as well as visitor experiences”.
Fáilte Ireland announces development of new plan to transform visitor experience in Cork Harbour - Ann Doherty Chief Executive, Cork City Council, Paul O’Regan Harbour Master and COO, Port of Cork , Brian O’Flynn Head of Ireland’s Ancient East, Fáilte Ireland , Andrew Hayley Director, The Paul Hogarth Company and Valerie O’ Sullivan Chief Executive, Cork County Council, Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Port of Cork today announced plans to develop a Cork Harbour Tourism Plan, which will enhance the visitor experience and unlock the tourism potential to position Cork Harbour as a world-class tourism destination and support the sustainable development of this area into a must-visit destination Photo: Gerard McCarthy
“ It will also include a high-level review of visitor orientation in the Cork harbour area with recommendations to improve transport, look at sustainable transport initiatives and encourage a greater spread of visitors throughout the area,”it says.
It says that as the “largest natural harbour in the northern hemisphere”, Cork is “currently underutilised from a leisure tourism perspective” and there is an opportunity to increase visitor numbers.
It says this can be achieved by “building on the uniqueness offered by the Cork harbour islands, which are supported by great on-water experiences linking the harbour islands and harbour communities”.
“Developing on the existing greenways, blueways and transport links will increase the accessibility of Cork harbour and its communities to Cork City, and enabling improved land and sea linkages between the city and harbour will create something that is unique on the island of Ireland,” Fáilte Ireland says.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn and Cork City Council Chief Executive Ann Doherty have welcomed the plan, along with Port of Cork harbour master Paul O’Regan.
