Newly Mourne and Down District Council is working on the development of a five-year Tourism Strategy for the District.
To date considerable work has gone into assessing the current situation, understanding where the destination wants to be in five years, and identifying broad strategic directions to assist industry and local government in moving toward a longer-term vision. There are still opportunities for local stakeholders to comment and input into this process.
Four strategic directions have begun to emerge:
* Â A focus on experiences and telling the story.
* Â A commitment to game-changing projects and critical infrastructure.
* Â A compelling market presence and positio
*  A joined up approach – leadership and product.
A council spokesperson added: “We now need to discuss what is involved in taking these areas of activity forward and how we can work together to make a marked difference in the sustainable growth of tourism.
“To promote further discussion, we are undertaking a series of short interactive workshops (2 hours) and drop- in discussions in different locations throughout the District:
13th September – Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick.
  Workshop: 11am – 1pm
  Drop in: 2pm – 4pm
14 September – the Lobster Pot, Strangford
  Workshop: 11am – 1pm
  Drop in: 2pm – 3.30pm
20 September – Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle
  Workshop: 3pm – 5pm
  Drop in: 6pm – 8pm
21 September – Canal Court Hotel, Newry.
 Workshop: 10am – noonDrop in: 6.30pm – 8pm21 September – Town Hall, Warrenpoint.
 Workshop: 2.30pm – 4.30pm
22 September – Ti Chulainn, Mullaghbane
 Workshop 2pm – 4pm
 Drop in 5pm – 6.30pm.
“During these workshops and drop-in sessions, we will be using the attached ‘framework discussion paper’ as a basis for our discussions – please take time to review it. TEAM-Tourism Consulting has been working with us throughout the tourism planning process and will be facilitating these discussions.
“We invite you to join Jennifer Houiellebecq and Sharon Scott at a convenient location and time to discuss your thoughts and aspirations for tourism in the District, and to assist in identifying the most relevant steps that we should be taking in the next five years.
“The Department for the Economy is proposing to grow tourism to a ₤1 billion export industry by 2025. That will require a growth rate of at least 6% per annum in overnight expenditure. If NMD is to play its role in meeting the 2015 target and is to benefit from any catalyst national programmes or policies, we will need to be working in a very strategic and aligned manner.
“These planning discussions will allow us to identify how, where, and when we can best accelerate tourism-related economic growth without compromising our community cultural and environmental values, and what will need to change if growth is to be achieved. The discussion paper outlines areas that will need particular discussion and input from you.
“We look forward to seeing you at one of the discussions and to exploring how a collaborative and more strategic approach that continues to build on our strengths and accomplishments can make a difference in establishing NMD as a premier destination within all of Ireland.”
Please indicate which session you will attend by contacting:
Newry Visitor Information Centre at 028 3031 3170
newryvic@nmandd.org
Newcastle Visitor Information Centre at 028 4372 2222
