Tourism officer set to be appointed for Offaly

Offaly is to take a major step forward in the area of tourism promotion and development after it was announced that a dedicated tourism officer is to be appointed for the county.

Offaly County Council in association with Offaly Tourism Marketing Committee have secured the funds necessary to recruit a dedicated tourism officer within the coming weeks. 

'The appointment of a dedicated tourism officer is exactly what the county needs and I am confident that it will lead to a further increase in visitor numbers to the county in the coming years,' said chairperson of Offaly Tourism Marketing Committee, Philip O'Brien. 

The committee held a meeting this week at Daingean School House and are keen to highlight the importance of a strategy that will benefit the entire county.

Cllr John Clendennen said this is more evidence of Offaly County Council's commitment to the promotion and development of tourism within Offaly.

'The introduction of a dedicated Tourism Officer will undoubtedly increase visitor number and consolidate the tourism sector as a whole ensuring sustainable growth year after year,' he commented. 

Since Offaly Tourism Marketing Committee was established in December 2014 to act as a collective marketing and promotion body for the county, a number of progressive measures have been introduced including the creation of a new brand for the county, engagement with marketing agencies to attract greater numbers of visitors to the county along with a greater presence at selected Trade Shows including Tullamore Show and National Ploughing Championships. 

Meanwhile, preparations are well underway in advance of the Tullamore Show and National Ploughing Champions, in which the county will once again benefit from significant exposure.

Offaly Tourism Marketing Committee are encouraging tourism providers to get more involved in the initiative and register for membership. More information is available from Sarahjane in the Offaly Tourism office 057 93 46800 Ext 6707 or email: info@visitoffaly.ie.