A new study of the Wild Atlantic Way recommends development of “niche marine tourism” options along the coastal route.
Visitors taking part in marine-related activities tend to spend more and stay longer than average, and so regional authorities and tourism agencies should provide supports for these “offerings”, the study says.
It also recommends improving infrastructure, and identifying and developing “the unique experiences and draws” that “entice visitors to stay longer”.
The research was conducted for the Moses project, an EU multinational research initiative involving eight partners representing the five member states of the Atlantic area.
Funded through the EU Interreg programme, the project aims to further the EU’s Blue Growth strategy in five “focus maritime areas” with “the potential to accelerate learning across Europe”.
"Visitors taking part in marine-related activities tend to spend more and stay longer than average"
The study says policies aimed at extending the tourist season should be developed, and environmental pressures and damages should be identified and reduced “early”.
It recommends reducing the emphasis on day trips - where tourist money is often diverted from local residents.
It says efforts should be made to ensure employment is local, and cultural and traditional experiences are supported.
It recommends encouraging ICT uptake in sustainable tourism trail usage.
It also says tourist operators should be encouraged to shorten their supply chains by using locally sourced inputs.
It also says these operators should also be encouraged to “consider their waste management strategies and use of alternative materials”.
A team at NUI Galway’s Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit conducted the research between 2018 and 2020.
The Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) was also a partner in the two-year study.