Boyne Valley Tourism Strategy launched
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee launched the Boyne Valley’s new, ambitious seven-year tourism strategy at an event held in Emerald Park today.
The strategy aims to position the Boyne Valley as one of the leading experiential destinations in the world, attracting high-value visitors who leave the region feeling inspired.
Based on comprehensive input from stakeholders at county, regional, and national levels, as well as in-depth research, the strategy presents a clear and well-defined roadmap for all tourism stakeholders to follow. This includes input from over 400 customers and visitors, agencies, and industry experts, ensuring that the strategy reflects a wide range of perspectives and insights.
At the official launch, Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, said: "The Boyne Valley Tourism Strategy has a clear vision that will develop, strengthen and grow our already vibrant tourism industry in county Meath and Louth.
" We are so fortunate to live in a region steeped in heritage, culture and food. I am looking forward to working with both Council’s on helping to implement this strategy going forward and help to clearly put the Boyne Valley region on the world map as a leading experiential destination".
The strategy outlines 16 recommendations and seven strategic objectives. The new strategy also identified six new projects capable of contributing to the transformation of tourism in Meath and Louth.
Projects include the Boyne Valley National Park, Boyne Valley Food Development, Coastal Tourism Development, Accommodation Growth, Development of Greenways, and Heritage Assets.
Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe said: “Our planned investment in tourism under this strategy, including for projects such as the development of Boyne Valley National Park with key stakeholders, Boyne Valley Food Development, Coastal Tourism Development, along with our active travel network incorporating the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway and the East Coast Greenway, demonstrate an ambitious but sustainable approach to tourism.
"The positive economic impact and job opportunities that tourism can generate are widely recognised. However, our ambition for growth is complemented by a strong dedication to preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage and actively involving the local community. Our collaborative efforts with key partners, including Fáilte Ireland in the Boyne Valley region, have been central in shaping a comprehensive strategy that reflects our shared commitment to promoting sustainable and authentic tourism in the Boyne Valley region.”
MCC Cathaoirleach Cllr Sharon Tolan added: “This strategy will not only focus on our wealth of heritage, our beautiful River Boyne, our blue flag beach in Bettystown and our myths and legends, but it will also introduce the diverse range of experiences a visitor will encounter in the Boyne Valley through our adventure product, food and drink, music, arts, Irish culture and Gaeltacht’s. I am personally very pleased to see a focus on the Coast and an action to explore the development of the Coast for tourism.”
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Kevin Callan and temporary Chief Executive at Louth County Council, Joe McGuinness also welcomed the strategy saying it would put the Boyne Valley on the map as a premier international destination.