This Plan rests on 4 pillars or Action Areas

1 Pillar 2 Pillar 3 Pillar 4

Destination Management. Inclusive and collaborative partnership, with a consolidated approach to initiatives measured.

Destination Innovation. It aims to elevate the region to a destination, incorporating the key concepts of a destination, service excellence at each touch point for the visitor, variety and choice of accommodation and experiences, with a first-class food offering, all while embracing the progressive concept of slow travel.

The Hubs. The definition of 4 distinctive hubs which overlap and which can progress separately with a shared vision.

Destination Marketing. If the activity providers don’t see themselves as a destination, the visitor never will. The destination marketing strategy aims to be first in class at creating awareness of the unique offerings of the region through innovation and cohesive campaigns. Raising the shop window of all the experience providers will ensure the destination is viewed as a cohesive unit offering an exceptional product.

Slowing the pace

One of the key elements of the Plan is to promote the development of Slow Travel by enabling more interchanges for travellers to switch from one mode to another. This is designed to build in travel as part of the experience, by interacting with the locality and moving from land to water as opposed to simply getting from one place to another. The Plan aims to support initiatives which improve the existing infrastructure so the region builds a great Slow Travel Network.

✓ Having an abundance of outdoor activities

✓ An unspoilt stunning landscape with a relatively small footfall

✓ Unique heritage sites

✓ Authentic experiences with the local communities

✓ Food Tourism

✓ A necklace of villages and towns each with a unique character.

✓ All in a rural setting over an urban one

Mapping it out

The Plan sets out four distinct hubs around Lough Derg which will combine tourism opportunities in each of the regions of Killaloe/ Ballina, Holy Island and destination villages, Portumna and Nenagh.