The 2012 Irish Open in Royal Portrush represents a huge opportunity for tourism operators and businesses in Co. Donegal, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar announced today on a visit to the county.
Speaking during a visit to Rosapenna Golf Resort in Downings, Minister Varadkar urged Donegal’s tourism industry to take full advantage of all the opportunities provided by the Irish Open being held in the Royal Portrush Golf club at the end of June.
“For my part, I have asked the tourism agencies to ensure that Donegal enjoys the full benefits of the event. As we speak, the golf team in Fáilte Ireland are sourcing a number of top golfing journalists who they will be bringing into Donegal to sample the local golf product.,” said Deputy Varadkar.
“It’s vital that as the cream of golfing journalism descends on Antrim to cover the event, that we take advantage of their proximity to win some reflective glory.”
Fáilte Ireland will be organising a number of familiarisation trips for overseas media in Donegal before and after the Open event. Both Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland will be
The minister also added that Fáilte Ireland would be using the Open as the perfect platform using the Irish Open to promote Donegal within Ireland, and internationally.
He told donegaldaily.com: “I have asked the tourism authorities to promote Donegal both before and during the event. With large crowds from Northern Ireland in attendance, it’s the perfect opportunity to market the northwest as a region. I’m determined that Donegal will get a generous slice of the Irish Open pie this Summer and we will be pushing all the best buttons to ensure that happens.”
The Minister encouraged Donegal tourism businesses to take full advantage of having a major sporting event taking place on their doorstep. This could include web marketing initiatives, food or accommodation promotions designed around the event, or entertainment outside of the golfing hours.
Fáilte Ireland’s Golf website will have a dedicated Irish Open page where it will promote golf and other tourism offers available in the northwest during the event. Tourism businesses should get in touch with their local Fáilte Ireland team to ensure that any offers you have are included.
A special eight-page supplement promoting Northwest golf tourism is also being planned for early April in advance of the Open, which will further promote Donegal as a top-class destination for those interested in all things golf.
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