Boyne Valley Tourism members looking ahead to a brighter 2021
EIGHTY-THREE percent of Boyne Valley tourism businesses have changed their offering to adapt to the new landscape brought about by the challenges presented by Covid-19
County Meath’s tourism industry gathered together last week via zoom to discuss the challenges the pandemic has presented.
A poll of tourism businesses at the meeting indicated that 83% of businesses had changed their business offering to adapt to constantly changing business environment.
Tourism businesses from hotels to restaurants, B&Bs to attractions, throughout county Meath who attended the AGM have been impacted severely by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many tourism businesses such as hotels and small accommodation providers like B&B’s, guesthouses and self-catering have had to close fully during Level 5, leaving them with virtually no customers.
The tourism industry in Meath has been hit many times before by various issues, however tourism businesses across Meath are remarkably resilient in the face of these challenges.
The Boyne Valley Tourism AGM heard from many businesses who have pivoted their offering.
One such business is Rock Farm Slane run by Carina and Alex Conyngham who spoke about the decision to create a very successful weekly farmer’s market each Thursday providing local produce and supporting local producers, while also becoming a collection point for Neighbourfood. Many restaurants spoke about turning to offering a takeaway service for example The Stockhouse Restaurant in Trim and Scholars in Drogheda. Hotelier and restaurateur Mark McGowan from Scholars Hotel spoke about the challenges to the hotel sector and how businesses have responded inventively to the challenges of the pandemic.
Speaking at the AGM, Chairperson Cllr David Gilroy said Boyne Valley Tourism was working to develop marketing and PR programmes for its members and asked everyone to shop local and visit Boyne Valley Tourism’s social media for lots of Christmas ideas. He thanked Meath County Council for their support and encouraged the tourism industry and the public to support one another through this time.’
According to Michele Whelan, Tourism Officer, Boyne Valley Tourism, BVT has been working continuously on developing a strong marketing plan to help its members compete for business in 2021 focusing initially on attracting the domestic market to holiday in Co Meath and experience its outdoors activities.
"The tourism industry in Meath like the tourism industry throughout the world, has been devastated by the pandemic.
“We are encouraging everyone to shop local and take a look at discoverboynevalley.ie for its Christmas Retail and Voucher Market for Green Friday with lots of unique local Boyne Valley Christmas gift ideas and Christmas vouchers."