An estimated £3.2 million has been spent on promoting the county since 2009 through the Destination Fermanagh programme.
The figures were revealed last week in Stormont after local MLA Tom Elliott put the question to Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster. She explained that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has invested substantially in Destination Fermanagh in terms of capital expenditure, destination support, marketing/promotion and events estimated at £3.2million.
She continued:“Since 2009, Fermanagh has featured strongly in NITB’s marketing campaigns, most recently in the Spring 2014 campaign where the Fermanagh Lakelands were used to showcase Northern Ireland’s Coasts and Lakes experience. This campaign featured Fermanagh on TV, Radio, Press, Outdoor media and was strongly supported through Digital and Social Media.
“Fermanagh hosted the G8 Summit in June 2013 which showcased Fermanagh on a world stage as a destination to visit work and invest in. NITB funded an animation, events and infrastructure enhancement programme and a media showcase event as well as a dedicated marketing campaign promoting Fermanagh as a tourism destination.
“NITB hosted over hundred international tour operators in Fermanagh in April 2014 to engage in a series of over 4000 business appointments with key Northern Ireland Industry tourism operators as part of their annual Meet the Buyer marketing workshop at the Lough Erne Resort.”
Mr Elliott further asked Mrs Foster about further planned investment, to which she revealed the funding of almost £700,000 for the Heritage Gateway Fermanagh project which aims to provide a visitor centre within the grounds of Enniskillen Castle.
Mrs Foster also explained that through partnership work involving NITB, Fermanagh District Council, Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism, Tourism Ireland and Waterways Ireland support has been given to the Fermanagh Cruising sector via the establishment of a forum. The initiative has included both development and marketing activities, including a new website and brochure, attendance at overseas exhibitions and a dedicated online marketing campaign in key overseas markets.
In addition to continued support to support destination development events funding has secured sponsorship for the 2014 Ulster Rally for £5,400 and an offer has been made to the Enniskillen International Beckett Festival for £405,000 over the next three years.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere