*Leonard Cleary. Photograph: Eamon Ward.
‘OUTSIDE THE BOX’ thinking is needed to assist the tourism industry overcome the accommodation challenges facing the sector in Co Clare.
Currently a third of bednights in the county are occupied by the Department of Integration which is increasing pressure on the tourism and hospitality sector in Clare.
Addressing the Tourism Together Networking event at the Inn at Dromoland, Clare County Council’s Director of Tourism, Leonard Cleary stated, “This event provides a timely opportunity for the local tourism industry to take stock of our successes to date and to examine new opportunities for 2024.
“As a tourism industry, we have agreed on the path forward in terms of our Clare Tourism Strategy 2030. The Clare Tourism Strategy sets out a clear vision for our county up to 2030. This is rooted in a sustainable approach to tourism business. The success of the strategy depends on a collaboration between business, community, government partners and agencies. That is the spirit in which we gather this evening”.
He said, “As all in the room are aware, the private sector tourism industry faces significant challenges”. These include the VAT rate, the accommodation crisis, warehouse debt, the cost of living and minimum wage increases”.
Corofin native Cleary said, “Just to single out the accommodation crisis, I want to acknowledge the work currently underway in following up on the Fáilte Ireland audit of tourism accommodation in Clare. All of us are going to need to think outside the box here with solutions from glamping to new approaches to regeneration of clusters of vacant properties in towns and villages to hotel extensions to provision of spaces for mobile camper vans.
“This accommodation solution will need many strands of solution to retain visitor spend in the private sector in Clare. National Government will be key to creating the policy and investment environment. In the wider context, our Clare Tourism Strategy talks about strengthening our local aspirations for tourism, improving connectivity, adding value to the tourism offering and creating awareness of Clare”.
Leonard recalled that a key question of their 2023 event was on news of the Shannon Heritage transfer with which was finalised last May. “As we approach the one year mark, it is important to acknowledge that the green shoots are already apparent”.
He added, “My reason for mentioning Shannon Heritage is to explain that the Council’s involvement in tourism is as an honest broker. This means bringing together the tourism industry and intervening in product development opportunities that have a public good for the local economy and community. Clare County Council is delighted to invest resources in tourism services through the staffing of our Tourism Department and in the various tourism products across the county”.
Recently appointed as the Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard said Clare County Council “will do what we can within our control to support the private sector involved in tourism. This event is the start in order to get the industry networking. This will enable tourism businesses to share information with a view to potential collaboration”.
