Taoiseach Simon Harris, along with tourism agency CEOs, announced progress on the Shared Island Wild Atlantic Way/Causeway Coastal Route Tourism Brand Collaboration Project, supported by a €7.6m allocation from the Shared Island Fund.
This cross-border initiative aims to enhance tourism experiences between the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route, benefiting the North West and Northern coast regions through new opportunities for lasting economic impact.
A new €3m Coast to Coast capital investment fund was created for enhancing visitor attractions along both routes, with a strong response expected from local operators following an expression of interest phase.
All involved parties emphasized the collaboration’s potential to extend economic benefits to communities and elevate the tourism profile of both regions, with a focus on sustainable marketing efforts for international visitors.
Simon Harris said: “I am delighted to join with the CEOs of the three Tourism Agencies on the island this morning to highlight their positive collaboration, supported through our Shared Island Fund, to link the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route brands. This will undoubtedly create more opportunities for tourists from both home and abroad to experience all that Derry and the amazing North West and Northern coast regions have to offer, and I look forward to seeing the outputs of this impactful project”
Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, said: “The Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project will enhance and link the visitor experience across these two iconic routes, the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way, helping to extend the economic benefits of tourism to local communities throughout these areas. It was a pleasure to meet with Taoiseach Simon Harris today to discuss the progress of this important initiative, and I look forward to continued collaboration with our partners in Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Together, we are committed to ensuring that this project delivers long-lasting benefits for visitors and residents alike, while protecting and celebrating the natural beauty that the island of Ireland is renowned for.”
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “I was delighted to meet Taoiseach Simon Harris today and discuss the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project. At Tourism Ireland, we market the island of Ireland overseas, sustainably increasing the value of inbound tourism for economies and communities island-wide. Making it easier to navigate from the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route to the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way – and vice versa – is a real win. We will be communicating to overseas visitors to inspire them to do more and see more, bringing greater economic benefit to these parts of the island.”
John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI, said: “Tourism is one of the region’s most important economies and the Shared Ireland Tourism Brand Collaboration Project will further maximise our rich tourism offering in the international marketplace. By enhancing the experiences enjoyed by both domestic and overseas visitors along the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way and raising the profile of these two magnificent touring routes, our collective goals of extending visitor stays and increasing levels of spend can be achieved. It was very beneficial to meet with the Taoiseach today to discuss the Shared Ireland Tourism Brand Collaboration Project and update him on its implementation. I look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues in Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to deliver these exciting plans.”
