2022-2032 Vistitor Experience Development Plan

To support the visitor experience we need to facilitate and create widespread cohesion amongst tourist operators and locals to promote the products on offer. Opportunities around informational infrastructure can lend itself to the development of increasing dwell times, making it known to potential visitors where to visit and how to get there. Lack of signage, poor road infrastructure, and a lack of cohesion across online marketing can leave visitors unclear of the full picture. Mitigating these weaknesses through a unified voice is needed from all stakeholders both public and private to develop the area’s presence to the domestic, ROI and international markets. Whilst we can identify the obstacles in achieving this, such as dated road infrastructure and limited modes of transportation, short term goals can be achieved through defining who the area is and what the all-embracing brand could look like. Research suggests that target markets, particularly Short Break Enthusiasts , Aspiring Families and Open-Minded Explorers prefer to research ahead and plan their trip knowing their itineraries are taken care of. A whole-area strategy that incorporates information from neighbouring tourism operators that showcases and celebrates the offerings around themwould permit our target markets to access the information needed to plan their visits. “I think cohesion throughout the area is lacking. In most places you go on holidays, things are sold as packages or your accommodation provider will offer all options and easy means of getting to places. I think if everything was more open, people would explore further into the area. Eg if I am staying in Enniskillen what am I offered - am I given the option to travel past the town itself?” Participant - Business Sector, 2021 “Lack of a clear ongoing promotion of the area as a destination an ongoing programme of events to bring visitors support for experience providers and development of our experiences such as our island heritage & Devenish Island.” Participant - Business Sector, 2021 4.5 A Unified Goal 48 Fermanagh Lakelands & Omagh and The Sperrins