- Fáilte Ireland has launched a new five year tourism development plan for Waterford.
- The plan drives and sustains tourism in the city and county.
- It was unveiled at Mount Congreve.
- The strategy focuses on long term growth.
- It supports the local visitor economy.
Fáilte Ireland and Waterford City and County Council have faficially launched the Waterford Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) on March 12, 2025. This five-year strategy aims to transform Waterford into a premier sustainable tourism destination within Ireland’s Ancient East.
The plan focuses on growing the visitor economy while strengthening local communities through three key goals:
- Returning tourism revenue to 2019 levels by 2026 and increasing overall visitor spend.
- Spreading tourism activity across all parts of the county and extending the season beyond the peak summer months.
- Encouraging visitors to explore beyond the city into rural and coastal areas through better orientation and linked experiences.
The plan is structured around three spatial categories—Waterford City, Coastal Communities, and Rural Waterford—to create a coherent regional experience. Key priority projects include:
- Developing a major new attraction in Waterford City to serve as an international draw.
- Creating a network that links the city’s heritage and built assets with the county’s outdoor amenities, such as the Waterford Greenway.
- Enhancing local capacity for sustainable tourism, including decarbonisation efforts and protecting natural landscapes.
- Working with the Waterford Rural Tourism Network and other local clusters to foster industry partnerships.
The official launch event took place at Mount Congreve Gardens, highlighting the estate as one of the county’s flagship tourism assets.
