Taoiseach Simon Harris welcomed the positive progression of the Shared Island Wild Atlantic Way/Causeway Coastal Route Tourism Brand Collaboration Project during his visit to Co Derry on Monday, September 16.
The project aims to connect and enhance the visitor journey from the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland to the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland.
As noted in its 2023 report on the Shared Island Fund, the Government of Ireland allocated €7.6m for the cross-border tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative.
The project is being delivered on a cooperative basis by Tourism Northern Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, and Tourism Ireland, in consultation with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (Ireland) and the Department for Economy (Northern Ireland).
As part of this collaboration, Ireland's Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin T.D. and Northern Ireland's Minister for the Economy Conor Murphy MLA announced in July a new funding scheme, the Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme.
The scheme is jointly administered by the three tourism agencies and worth €3m / £2.5m to enhance interpretation at existing operating visitor attractions and experiences along the north of the Wild Atlantic Way and along the Causeway Coastal Route.
This week, the tourism agencies said that there has been a very strong response to the scheme's expression of interest phase in August and the call applications will open in the coming weeks, with details published on the websites of the three tourism agencies.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said on Monday: “I am delighted to join with the CEOs of the three Tourism Agencies on the island this morning to highlight their positive collaboration, supported through our Shared Island Fund, to link the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route brands.
"This will undoubtedly create more opportunities for tourists from both home and abroad to experience all that Derry and the amazing North-West and Northern coast regions have to offer, and I look forward to seeing the outputs of this impactful project."
Taoiseach Simon Harris TD today visited Derry today to join with the CEOs of Ireland's three tourism agencies to welcome progress with the implementation of the Shared Island Wild Atlantic Way/Causeway Coastal Route Tourism Brand Collaboration Project https://t.co/VkmTB2DzAg pic.twitter.com/xLYwsYZlZw
— Tourism NI (@NITouristBoard) September 16, 2024
John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: "Tourism is one of Northern Ireland’s most important economies and the Shared Ireland Tourism Brand Collaboration Project will further maximise our rich tourism offering in the international marketplace.
“By enhancing the experiences enjoyed by both domestic and overseas visitors along the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way and raising the profile of these two magnificent touring routes, our collective goals of extending visitor stays and increasing levels of spend can be achieved.
“It was very beneficial to meet with the Taoiseach today to discuss the Shared Ireland Tourism Brand Collaboration Project and update him on its implementation. I look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues in Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to deliver these exciting plans.”
Giants Causeway in Co Antrim along the Causeway Coastal Route. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “I was delighted to meet Taoiseach Simon Harris today and discuss the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project.
“At Tourism Ireland, we market the island of Ireland overseas, sustainably increasing the value of inbound tourism for economies and communities island-wide. Making it easier to navigate from the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route to the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way – and vice versa – is a real win.
“We will be communicating to overseas visitors to inspire them to do more and see more, bringing greater economic benefit to these parts of the island.”
Slieve League in Co Donegal along the Wild Atlantic Way. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, said: “The Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project will enhance and link the visitor experience across these two iconic routes, the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way, helping to extend the economic benefits of tourism to local communities throughout these areas.
“It was a pleasure to meet with Taoiseach Simon Harris today to discuss the progress of this important initiative, and I look forward to continued collaboration with our partners in Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland. Together, we are committed to ensuring that this project delivers long-lasting benefits for visitors and residents alike, while protecting and celebrating the natural beauty that the island of Ireland is renowned for."
Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD today joined with Paul Kelly, CEO @Failte_Ireland, @johnmcgrillen1, CEO @NITouristBoard, and @AliceManserghTI, CEO @TourismIreland to discuss progress on the implementation of the Shared Island Wild Atlantic Way/Causeway Coastal Route Tourism Brand… pic.twitter.com/cba0iRHJkF
— Fáilte Ireland (@Failte_Ireland) September 16, 2024
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