Westport tourism chief is positive for 2010

Westport tourism chief is positive for 2010 season


Anton McNulty

THE outlook for tourism in Westport in 2010 will be brighter than in 2009 according to the Chairman of Westport Tourism, Christy Madigan.
Speaking at the AGM of Westport Tourism, Mr Madigan said the Irish tourism industry was optimistic about the prospects of tourism in 2010.
“All indications at this point in time are that 2010 will be an improvement on 2009. I read recently that Shearings Holidays, the UK based Coach Touring Company say that their bookings to Ireland are up by eight per cent to ten per cent on this time last year. So I guess that’s optimistic and could be an indication of how things are in general,” he said.
Mr Madigan explained that walking tourism was to become an important factor in attracting visitors to the town and they had seven walks in the region catering for every type of walker.
“Walking is becoming an ever increasing activity enjoyed by overseas and domestic visitors alike and Westport Tourism has produced an excellent walking brochure detailing seven walks in the region. Walking accounts for 29 per cent of activity holidays to Ireland, 40 per cent of walkers are repeat visitors and the length of stay for walkers is longer than for the average tourist.”
Mr Madigan said that Westport could not totally rely on its picturesque town and scenery to attract tourists and they had to ensure that a friendly welcome was there for all visitors. He added the customer profile was changing and to continue to attract tourists they hoped to have an updated website fully completed by mid-April.
He added that Westport Tourism would continue to support the Smarter Travel Initiative and the Restoration of Westport Town Hall but was saddened by the near demise of sea angling as a popular tourist activity in Clew Bay.

Search on for ‘Westport Dessert’
YOU have heard of the Baked Alaska, the Waldorf Salad and the Yorkshire Pudding and very soon the Westport Dessert may be appearing on menus around the world.
As part of promoting the Westport brand, Westport Tourism are looking for the creation of a  unique dessert which will be named after the town and focus attention on Westport.
Christy Madigan explained that the competition is designed for entrants with a passion in cooking and design to create the winning dessert which will be labelled ‘The Westport Dessert’.
The dessert will be available to re-create and sell to the public and will be used in all suitable marketing and promotional materials for Westport both nationally and internationally.
Along with the credit of being the inventive force behind the winning dessert, the creator will also receive a prize of €1,000. Westport Tourism will be distributing the competition entry forms through some of Mayo’s major food suppliers in the coming weeks and entry forms will also be available on the Westport Tourism website.
Happy cooking.