Bunratty-based businessman Maurice Walsh has been appointed Chair of Clare Tourism, the group responsible for the tourism marketing and promotion of County Clare.
Mr. Walsh, who is General Manager of Durty Nelly’s, assumes the role held by Ennis hotelier Paul Madden since 2015.
In his opening address to the Clare Tourism Steering Group, comprising tourism representatives from each of the five geographical areas of County Clare, Mr. Walsh said he is committed to exploring “new and innovative ways or promoting Clare as one of Ireland’s top visitor destinations.”
He continued: “Through www.clare.ie, the hosting of networking events and our presence at trade shows in Ireland and overseas, Clare Tourism members are committed to promoting and marketing the county through different avenues to continue to keep Clare at the top of the destinations list in the country. We are also committed to increasing the overall number of bed nights and the average spend of day-trippers to our many visitor attractions.”
Mr. Walsh noted that adventure, sports and family-orientated tourism will be “a priority in our promotion and marketing activities.”
Maurice Walsh is one of even representatives that have been appointed to the Clare Tourism Steering Group. The members are Maurice Walsh of Durty Nellys, Bunratty (South Clare), Cillian Murphy of Kilkee Tourism(West Clare), Eoin O’ Hagan of Clare Virtually (East Clare), Mary Gleeson of Promote Ennis (Ennis), Darragh Quinn, The Farmyard, Corofin (North Clare), Gerard Dollard (Clare County Council) and Maureen Cleary (Clare Tourism).
Outgoing Chair, Paul Madden congratulated Mr. Walsh, adding that Clare Tourism has in recent years established itself as “a best practice model” for adopting a Public / Private Partnership approach towards countywide tourism promotion and marketing.
“Collaboration is key and by adopting such an approach, Clare Tourism members are delivering tangible results for the local sector as evidenced by the year on year increase in visitors to the county. The focus on improving our presence online through our website and our new Clare Tourism brand has played a key role in this,” added Mr. Madden.
Visit www.clare.ie for more on Clare Tourism and the range of activities, events and providers throughout County Clare.