Call for Government action on tourism after ‘disappointing’ summer

Some Inishowen tourism attractions have reported a downturn in visitors this summer compared to last year, prompting a call for Government action to help businesses in coastal rural areas.

Factors including a high VAT rate, poor public transport, a shortage of accommodation and increased prices have been blamed for the drop in visitor numbers.

The decrease in visitors has led to calls for more Government action to aid the peninsula’s tourism sector.

Tourism attractions contacted by Donegal Live have reported slower business over the summer months compared to the same period in 2023. 

Rosemarie Moulden, the curator of Greencastle Maritime Museum, said the museum has seen a 15% decrease in tourists for June compared to the same period last year and this only improved after July 15.

It wasn’t all bad as the museum saw an increase in visitors over the regatta weekend, however, many of those were attending free events during the  blessing of the fleet.

“We feel that having Inishowen included more in the overall Donegal tourism marketing campaign could improve things.”

The Maritime Museum and Planetarium in Greencastle

Killian McLaughlin, owner of the Wild Ireland wildlife park near Burnfoot said there has been a drop in visitor numbers to the attraction  this year, with around 100 fewer people visiting in June this year compared to last year.

“It’s not dramatic but we are down a significant number of visitors this year,” Mr McLaughlin said.

Many tourists are saying they aren’t travelling due to a lack of and the cost of accommodation.

The proximity to Derry city has helped with visitor numbers this summer, he said.

A lack of public transport is another factor inhibiting people visiting the attraction. 

“I’d like to see more investment in infrastructure in the area. We get lots of messages from people hopeful to visit but they do not drive. Public transport is very poor and Wild Ireland is inaccessible via public transport.Those that do drive struggle with the narrow roads especially the approach road to Wild Ireland.I’ve petitioned the council to widen the road but it has not been done.

“I think Donegal is forgotten about in general when it comes to public transport. Donegal is very impoverished when it comes to public transport, the most common thing we get asked is how to get to wild Ireland using public transport but of course there is none. So if someone wants to get a train, we tell them to get a train to Derry then get a taxi up, obviously there's no trains in Donegal. Even if they want to get a bus to Burnfoot it is still a considerable distance from Burnfoot village up to Wild Ireland.”

Despite the drop in visitor numbers this summer, he feels  Fáilte Ireland has done a good job in marketing Donegal as a tourist destination. 

“To be honest I think Fáilte Ireland does a great job at advertising Donegal as a tourist location, they’re very proactive. From my point of view Fáilte Ireland is very good at promoting the area.”

The entrance to Wild Ireland

Ali Farren, owner of the Ardmalin Caravan Park in Malin Head and a county councillor,  said that while the last two weeks have been good for business, overall the summer season has been disappointing.

“I think numbers overall from what I can see have been quieter than previously,” he said.

“After speaking to other local Inishowen businesses, they are finding it difficult at the moment. The costs have risen for them. Some of them are worried about how they’re going to stretch out the winter.”

He called on the Government to help businesses in the upcoming budget. The cost of living has increased, which means the cost of heating, electricity and even paying the minimum wage have all increased, he said.

“The Government needs to have a look at it to give some form of rebate or help to small businesses in rural areas especially along the west coast which don’t have an all year round business.”

In previous years the VAT rate which small businesses paid was 9% however this has now risen to 13%.

He said the cost of living may put people off coming here. If people decide to go out for breakfast, what may have cost €5 or €6 in the past, could now cost close to €10. 

Not every tourist attraction has seen a downturn. Majella Doherty, a manager at Doagh Famine Village, believes their summer was good, although she didn’t have the exact numbers as the summer season is over.

“We are happy with Fáilte Ireland. About nine years ago all our tourists would’ve been from Donegal. Now with the help of Fáilte Ireland we can attract tourists from France, Spain, Italy and all over,” she said. 

Go Visit Inishowen, the peninsula’s tourism body,  believes this year was a good summer for tourism in terms of footfall throughout the season, “with a diverse and vibrant range of visitors from across Ireland, the UK, Europe, US and beyond”.

“The recognition of Donegal as Lonely Planet's fourth-best region in the world to visit in 2024 has certainly shone a bright light on the area,” marketing officer Rebecca McLaughlin said.

“Inishowen, with its breathtaking landscapes, has been prominently featured by well-known social media content creators such as travel and wellness influencer Roz Purcell. Such influencers have showcased the natural beauty and unique experiences our region has to offer, generating excitement both nationally and internationally.”

She said Inishowen is continuing to create new tourist opportunities, with the Muff Liquor company opening the doors of its new distillery, shop and gin experience to the public. 

“Additionally, the recent coverage on Sky Television during the R&A Amateur Championship at Ballyliffin Golf Club (the largest amateur tournament outside of the United States of America, which Inishowen had the honour of hosting this year)  highlighted the very best of Irish Links golf while showcasing the stunning scenery of Inishowen to a global audience. This exposure has undoubtedly contributed to the continued interest and attraction of visitors to our peninsula.” 

“Inishowen Tourism remains confident that Inishowen continues to be a destination growing in popularity, attracting travellers from near and far, and we look forward to welcoming even more visitors as we head into the latter part of the season.”

A spokesperson for Fáilte Ireland said accommodation providers in Inishowen have reported an increase in both occupancy and rates for the period of May to July 2024, compared to the previous year. 

“This indicates a positive trend in the region’s tourism sector, showcasing the appeal of Inishowen as a destination. However, we acknowledge that the cost-of-living crisis has impacted visitors' disposable income, affecting some, though not all, activity providers. The unfortunate weather conditions this summer have further contributed to a decline in outdoor activities, as inclement weather discouraged visitors from engaging in boat trips and other outdoor experiences.”

Fáilte Ireland has created a five-year, sustainable Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for the region. The DEDP aims to leverage Inishowen’s unique features and establish it as a 'must-do' destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. Key objectives include creating compelling experiences, extending the tourism season, and enhancing the local economy by bolstering individual businesses, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities, sustaining job creation, and making the area more attractive for broader economic growth.

In April, Fáilte Ireland met with the Inishowen Municipal District councillors to discuss the promotion of the Inishowen peninsula.

“We are committed to continually refining our strategies to meet the needs of the tourism sector and appreciate feedback from our partners. We understand the desire for enhanced promotion of Inishowen within the broader context of Donegal, and we remain dedicated to this endeavour.”

Last month, Fáilte Ireland in collaboration with Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland, launched a new capital investment funding scheme to improve the storytelling and immersive experience capabilities on offer in existing visitor attractions and experiences in the north of the Wild Atlantic Way including counties Donegal, Sligo and parts of Leitrim and along the Causeway Coastal Trail.