Councils launch new and exciting Programme to help tourism sector recover

A new Tourism Programme is being launched this Spring by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council to support local tourism and hospitality businesses to develop new collaborative products that will help with the recovery of the tourism industr.

30 businesses from across the North West City Region will be in a position to avail of this free programme which will see businesses supported to collaborate with other businesses to develop strong product offerings that will enhance the visitor experiences in the region, increase dwell time and encourage visitors to travel around the region.

Supports include one to one and group mentoring opportunities as well as business development workshops and businesses will also be in a position to avail of a small grant in the region of £2,500 which can be used on items or services that will help the businesses to re-open, develop new products or take advantage of new opportunities arising in the market.

Praising the North West Tourism Product Development Programme, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, said: “This is the first time the Councils have come together to deliver this type of support package and we’re confident that this joint effort will really help the tourism businesses across the region. It has been a very difficult 12 months but we’re sure that this programme will help local businesses to work together to develop a collaborative approach to rebuilding the tourism industry. All participating businesses on the programme can also apply for grant support of £2,500. The grant will help the businesses re-adjust for their re-opening and ultimately help them become stronger in the long term.”

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Rena Donaghey continued: “The global outbreak of the Covid-19 virus has had a major impact on tourism businesses in the North West. Faced with significant reductions in revenues, many businesses within the tourism sector, small and large, have been forced to cease trading for long periods of time and lay off a significant portion of their workforce. To address these challenges head-on, Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council have joined forces to offer tailored support to local tourism and hospitality businesses through this new North West Regional Development Programme which will help transform the sector and the region as we know it.”

The programme will recruit 30 businesses from the two Council areas and run from May to July. Through one to one mentoring a team of tourism experts will help participating businesses to address the individual needs and use group mentoring to explore product development and potential collaborative working. Participants will also have the opportunity to be included in a national marketing campaign promoting Staycations in the region.

The programme is free to participate on and is open to Tourism & Hospitality businesses who are committed to participate in all elements of the programme; are located in either Donegal County Council or Derry City & Strabane District Council and who are committed to participating in the programme evaluation.

Businesses interested can apply for the programme at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NWTourism. Deadline for applications is April 26.

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