2022-2032 Vistitor Experience Development Plan

1.7 Vision & Aims 11 Fermanagh Lakelands & Omagh and The Sperrins Vision statement Fermanagh and Omagh will be globally recognised as an exemplar regenerative tourism destination; a place where visitors become temporary locals, immersed in our rich natural and cultural heritage, and where local people, communities and businesses are supported through inclusive growth and collaboration “Inclusive growth is economic growth that is distributed fairly across society and creates opportunities for all.” (OECD) Through the VEDP we aim to: ● Develop a new way of thinking about tourism ● Understand our visitors and deliver quality experiences ● Provide a collective vision for the place with a clearly defined roadmap for collaborative implementation ● Support and enable collaborative working for the good of the area and its communities ● Embrace new climate and environmental agendas ● Tell our authentic stories through our cultural and natural heritage ● Enhance our resilience and get creative in a changing funding landscape ● Ensure that our destination is applying sustainable practices. The VEDP for Fermanagh Lakelands & Omagh and The Sperrins recognises the ambition to sustainably grow and develop the visitor experience within the region and sets a pathway to realise that ambition. The plan builds on the opportunities identified within the area - notably a place rich in natural and cultural heritage, a border district with a diverse and unique set of assets and with ambitious stakeholders. Serving as a strategic plan and toolkit, the VEDP is designed to help stakeholders across the region come together to take advantage of opportunities in visitor trends and the assets that are rich in the region. As well as a central vision, the strategy will enable progress towards sharing of intelligence and resources to develop authentic experiences and products that build on the region's key natural and cultural assets. The opportunity for the visitor economy to bring a wider benefit to the residents and communities of the area is also recognised. Further potential exists to create experiences and develop projects collaboratively by formally connecting businesses, public bodies and communities to raise the ambition of what tourism can do for the Fermanagh and Omagh region. In a post-covid age, opportunities exist for staycation, experiential and regenerative tourismwith a plethora of different user and audience segments. The Fermanagh and Omagh area has the potential to reimagine itself as an exemplar destination on the island of Ireland that not only builds on the visitor experience, but also improves conditions within the tourism industry, enhances benefits for the communities across Fermanagh and Omagh and delivers on environmental ambitions.