LIMAVADY Borough Council has responded to a Northern Ireland Tourist Board draft plan to boost footfall and tourist spending here from now until 2011.
The tourist board issued its draft corporate plan for 2008-11 entitled Planning Our Route To Success in order to obtain feedback from stakeholders and interested parties.
A detailed response by Limavady Borough Council, has been approved and sent to
the NITB.
It makes a number of recommendations viz-a-viz the development of Limavady's tourist potential.
The response suggested that "active priority" should be given to developing Signature Projects in the form of "greater cognisance to the integration of the Causeway Coastal Route"
Equally non-signature projects such as the Sperrins should also be promoted and supported so "visitors would be encouraged to experience as much as possible," as "time and distant are not an issue in Northern Ireland."
A "dearth of hotel accommodation in an area renowned for its outstanding coast and countryside" and the impact this lack has had on local business was also highlighted.
The draft response suggested the NITB use its influence with other investment stakeholders to attract private sector investors to provide budget and 3/4 star hotel accommodation in the Borough.
The draft added: "While Council acknowledges the excellent conference facilities provided at the Radisson Roe Park Hotel and Gold Resort, as mentioned previously, the lack of hotel accommodation does not enable us to attract the level of business tourism that would add support oft other tourism providers in the Limavady Borough."
There was also a proposal for greater private sector involvement in setting up outdoor activity businesses in the Limavady and Dungiven areas and the provision of better outdoor facilities with the Borough district.
Limavady's proximity and ferry link with County Donegal was also mentioned in the draft response proposals.
It stated: "Limavady Borough Council, having a sea border with Donegal, through the Magilligan to Greencastle Ferry link and the Atlantic Drift joint marketing initiative, has proven over a number of years that the ROI market is a highly potential market for targeting.
"With the present market economic climate there is now more than ever the best opportunity of encouraging Republic of Ireland visitors to holiday in Northern Ireland."
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