Work is ongoing on Mayo's new tourism strategy
Minister of State Alan Dillon turns the sod on the Westport Estate development earlier this year.
Tourism is one of Mayo’s largest economic drivers, generating approximately €360m every year and supporting more than 7,000 jobs.
âFrom the Céide Fields to Ballintubber Abbey, from Croagh Patrick to Knock Shrine, and from Ballinrobe to Blacksod, Mayo is a scenic county with a rich history woven through each town and village.â The county can also now proudly call itself the home of the 2026 All-Ireland senior football champions.
âA new County Tourism Strategy for 2027-2031 is currently being drafted, with the final plan expected to be published early next year.â It is currently at an advanced stage of development following extensive research and consultation with stakeholders, alongside a detailed assessment of Mayo’s tourism assets, opportunities and challenges.
âDirector of Services for Tourism at Mayo County Council, Tom Gilligan, provided an update on the strategy at the October meeting of the Enterprise and Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).
â“Mayo’s tourism opportunity lies in the high-quality place, space and year-round experience,” he said.
âMr Gilligan said investment in major projects including the Great Western Greenway, Westport House, Dark Skies initiatives, access improvements on Croagh Patrick, Moore Hall and Ballintubber Abbey had strengthened Mayo’s tourism offering and international reputation. He explained that the new strategy aims to build on this by encouraging visitors to stay longer, supporting year-round tourism and developing new destinations across the county. Mr Gilligan added that the plan will deliver benefits not only for those visiting Mayo, but also for local communities and businesses in the county.
âThe strategy will also align with wider objectives around regeneration, community development, culture, recreation, biodiversity, sustainable transport and rural economic development.
âA draft strategy is moving through the council’s governing process, it will then be brought to the SPC and finally to the full council for approval. If approved, it is expected to be formally launched in February.
âMr Gilligan also took a moment to thank the people and communities who volunteered their time over the summer for the various homecoming celebrations for the Sam Maguire Cup and the Mayo senior football team
â“I want to take the opportunity to mention Sam Maguire and the ending of the famine after 75 years. There is no doubt, we need to show huge appreciation,” he said.
â“Tourism is about people and places, we focus a lot at this SPC on places. We have to thank our communities and all involved in making Mayo a place to visit and stay,” he added.
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
