Mayo North Tourism wins prestigious European award

Mayo North Tourism has been named Best Community-Led Tourism Initiative in West of Ireland

at the 2024 European Travel Awards.

This prestigious recognition from EU Business News underscores the organisation’s relentless efforts in showcasing North Mayo and West Sligo’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and the strong sense of community that makes the region truly special.

As Mayo North Tourism celebrates its tenth anniversary, the award marks a significant milestone in its journey. 

For over a decade, the community-driven organisation has been dedicated to creating sustainable tourism initiatives that not only attract visitors from around the world but also enhance the lives of residents. 

_{St Muredach's Cathedral standing proudly in Ballina, a symbol of the rich heritage that Mayo North Tourism celebrates}

One of Mayo North Tourism’s key successes has been its ability to connect local member businesses with global travel writers, influencers, and online content creators, succh as 'Best of Ireland', 'Sophie Anderton', and 'Roz Purcell'. 

These partnerships have helped put North Mayo and beyond on the international map, driving visitor growth while ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are shared across the community.

Reflecting on this achievement,Manager of Mayo North Tourism, Mairéad Melody Carr called the ‘a celebration of our community’s collective efforts’. 

“Over the past ten years, we’ve worked closely with local businesses, volunteers, and communities to create a truly authentic and enriching experience for our visitors. We’ve showcased the essence of North Mayo—its natural beauty, cultural richness, and the warmth of its people. 

“By creating a series of videos last year, People & Places of North Mayo, and through activities such as collaborating with travel influencers and leveraging digital platforms, we’ve elevated our local businesses and attractions on a global scale. 

Ms Melody-Carr revealed that in 2023, the tourism board achieved a social reach of over two and a half million.

“We’ve strived to make this region not just a destination, but a place people are proud to call home,” she added.

The European Travel Awards celebrate organisations and groups making a lasting impact in the travel and tourism industry across Europe.

For more information on Mayo North Tourism, see their website.