Midlands in prime position to benefit for another year of bumper tourism – McFadden

Fine Gael Longford/Westmeath TD, Gabrielle McFadden, has today (Friday) said that the Midlands are in a prime position to benefit from another year of bumper tourism. Deputy McFadden was speaking after the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed that the number of tourists coming to Ireland rose by a further 7.5% in the first three months of this year.

Deputy McFadden added that attracting visitors to Longford and Westmeath would be a key priority for her as the region’s newest TD.

“The latest tourism figures are very encouraging, and it looks like 2014 will be the fourth year of consecutive growth in overseas visitor coming to Ireland. I am determined to ensure as many of these visitors as possible come to the Midlands.

“I am currently involved in the establishment of Destination Athlone, a group which will be focussed on attracting visitors to the town and its environs, and marketing the area as an ideal destination for tourism. Local restaurants, hoteliers and businesspeople are on board and are already actively working on making sure that Athlone is putting its best foot forward.

“The Midlands has so much to offer, and while tourism already plays an important role, I believe it can have an even greater positive impact on the local economy. The ongoing development of the Dublin to Galway cycleway is crucial for the region, and a project I feel very passionately about.

“The Government recognised that tourism could play a key part in economic recovery and moved quickly to get the sector back on its feet with targeted initiatives like the 9% VAT rate. The success of the Gathering, clever overseas marketing, good value and a great tourism offering are all playing a part in attracting increasing numbers of visitors to Ireland.

“Boosting tourism for the Midlands is one of my key priorities. Increasing the number of visitors here will have a positive spin off in terms of jobs and the sustainability of local businesses. I am really looking forward to getting Destination Athlone up and running with the help of people involved in the town and committed to its future.

“I am hopeful that 2014 can be a very strong year for tourism in the Midlands.”

ENDS