County Clare Tourism Strategy

Project Overview

Tourism Planning Group’s principal consultant worked in association with TEAM Tourism Consulting to lead the development of a new 10-year tourism strategy. The planning process was based on extensive consultation with communities, businesses, agencies and government – a dialogue that was critical as a basis for building a strong collaborative approach to the future.

While Co. Clare is globally recognized for the Cliffs of Moher, there was a clear need to work on spreading the benefits of tourism across the entire county. An emphasis on sustainability characterized the conversations and became an integral element of the Strategy. This is a land that pulsates with the heartbeat of ancient stones*, and building an understanding of community values and what makes Clare distinctive provided the basis for the vision, the goals, and the strategic directions.

These directions highlighted the need to strengthen leadership and collaboration, and to improve all aspects of connectivity (from transportation to digital technologies and inclusivity). Much of the Strategy explores ways of building theme-based vibrant experiences that will ensure Clare stands out as a distinctive destination, and fully leverages Fáilte Ireland’s regional propositions: the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.  Implementation of the Strategy will be directed through a series of Action Plans.    

* Local poet – PJ Curtis