Tourism Ireland has been defending its efforts in promotimng Sligo and Leitrim.
Amid ongoing concerns about the possible affects of Brexit on tourism in the North West, the organisation is insisting that Sligo and Leitrim feature prominently in its promtional activity overseas.
Its comments come as a result of a Dail question from Sligo/Leitrim Fine Gael TD Tony McLoughlin to Tourism Minister Shane Ross.
The Minister’s office referred Deputy McLoughlin’s query to Tourism Ireland.
Tourism Ireland, in its resposne, say 2016 was the best year ever for overseas tourism to the Island of Ireland with 10.5m visitors contributing more than €5.4 billion.
But it says the drop in the value of Sterling has made holidays and short breaks in Ireland more expensive for British visitors
Specifically in relation to the North West, the organisation says it is trying to mitigate the adverse impact of Brexit through market diversification.
Tourism Ireland points out, for example, that its new 30-second advert in the US features Enniscrone Golf Club and aired to 6.5m households during the recent US Masters, as well as continuing to air throughout the year.
Tourism Ireland also says it has partnered with Flybe and Ireland West Airport to highlight ease of access to the west of Ireland.
A campaign included articles in newspapers in Scotland, Birmingham and Manchester highlighting the Wild Atlantic Way and fearturing images of Mullaghmore, Classiebawn Castle, Benbulben, Yeats Country, Glencar Waterfall and Carrick on Shannon.
Earlier this month, there were sales blitzes in Texas, Chicago and Boston by Culture and Heritage Tours Ireland, based in Ballinode, Sligo.
Representatives of Leitrim Tourism were present at workshops in London and sales blitzes in Canada last year.
Tourism Ireland also says it has met with representatives of Leitrim County Council in New York during the St Patrick’s Day period and briefed them on their promotional campaign for this year.
Tourism Ireland has also recommended that tourism enterprises in the region register on its industry opportunities website for a range of opportunities to promote their businesses across the world.
