Last few days to have your say on 10-year tourism plan for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins

There is a just a number of days left to have your say on a new 10-year roadmap for tourism for the Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins.

Jointly funded and developed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Tourism NI and Waterways Ireland following input from the public, private and community sectors, the draft Visitor Experience Development Plan (VEDP) for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins sets out an ambitious 10-year framework and action plan to improve the tourism and visitor experience to benefit the local economy, communities and the environment through sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Public consultation on the draft Visitor Experience Development Plan (VEDP) for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins opened in July for 12-weeks, with all responses to be submitted by the closing date of 4pm, Friday 30 September 2022. The draft VEDP is available to view on the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website, www.fermanaghomagh.com, where an online survey is also available to complete.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said:

“The draft VEDP for Fermanagh Lakelands and for Omagh and the Sperrins recognises the tourism potential of the area and how it can support sustainable and thriving communities, spaces and places across the area.

I would encourage anyone with an interest in the area to get involved in the public consultation process to help to shape the final plan.  Have your say. Play you part in enhancing the strong tourism offering within the district and the benefits that it can bring for visitors, local communities, businesses and the environment. The final plan needs to be as authentic and ambitious as possible.”

Tourism NI’s Regional Manager, Martin Graham stated:

“Tourism NI is pleased to collaborate with Fermanagh & Omagh District Council and Waterways Ireland on a new Visitor Experience Development Plan (VEDP) for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins to act as a roadmap for tourism growth and delivery in this area.  It is recognised that tourism is an important sector for this council area in relation to visitor spend, business growth and jobs.  We are also aware that the depth and breadth of distinctive visitor experiences have the opportunity to encourage both domestic and international visitors to spend longer and contribute significantly to tourism revenue both locally and in Northern Ireland as a whole”.

Joe Gillespie, Regional Manager, Northern Region, Waterways Ireland said:

“Waterways Ireland are delighted to reach this milestone in the delivery of the VEDP for the Fermanagh and Omagh region. Its successful delivery will support the creation of unforgettable holiday experiences that will benefit local businesses and communities in the Fermanagh Lakelands area.The VEDP will provide a clear roadmap for future tourism investment that will transform the region to deliver a better spread of tourism and visitor activity within the region.”A range of activity has taken place throughout the public consultation to encourage people to get involved in the process and share their views on the 10-year plan for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins.

The draft VEDP is available to download from the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website and available to view at a number of Council venues. An online survey on the draft VEDP is available to complete by visiting the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website.  For further information on the public consultation please visit the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website or telephone the Council’s tourism team on 0300 303 1777. All consultation responses must be submitted by the deadline of 4pm, Friday 30 September 2022.