Donegal tourism is set to benefit from an announcement of REDZ funding of €400,000 for the development of a new Visitor Discovery Centre and regional branding sites at Ireland West Airport.
Joe Gilmore, Managing Director Ireland West Airport Knock thanked Michael Ring T.D., Minister of State for Regional Economic Development at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs for the funding.
This funding is for the development of a State of the Art Visitor Discovery Centre to be located within the Terminal Building and new regional branding points within the airport and on approach roads into the airport showcasing the best of what the West and North-West of Ireland can offer both visitors and entrepreneurs.
The development of a new innovative Visitor Discovery Centre at Ireland West Airport, will benefit overseas visitors, providing a taste of the exceptional tourism products, events and experiences that can be enjoyed in the six counties within the catchment area whilst creating a positive first impression of the West of Ireland to the 1 million visitors that pass through Ireland West Airport annually.
The development of a suite of new and modern branding sites at the airport to deliver promotion and advertising of the tourism experiences of the counties that make up the Ireland West Airport / local authority Partnership will also provide a major promotional vehicle to showcase the region.
The application for this funding was part of the new regional collaboration around the airport lead by Sligo and Mayo County councils and in partnership with Donegal County Council, Leitrim County Council, Roscommon County Council, Galway County Council, Galway City Council, Ireland West Airport Knock and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Joe Gilmore, added ‘These new developments will be a major boost in enhancing the experience for overseas visitors arriving into the airport and provide a new, additional and innovative method of showcasing the region and its wonderful tourism experiences. We look forward to working with our colleagues in Donegal over the coming months in delivering an enhanced presence for the Donegal region at the airport, highlighting the many attractions, festivals and events the county has to offer and showcasing Donegal arts, crafts, foods and experiences to an audience of over 1 million people annually’.
