SCC IRD - Tourism

Tourism

Tourism is a major contributor to the economy of Caherdaniel, Castlecove and Sneem in terms of employment and revenue. The economic effects of tourism are felt in many allied sectors including transport, agriculture, the services sector generally, and in distributive trades. The lack of a manufacturing industry base in the area, combined with the steady decline in traditional agriculture has made tourism the natural focus for economic development. It is the major seasonal employer and provides a secondary or tertiary income for approximately 72% of local households.

It is recognised that the area has a very unique type of tourism. Many of the regular visitors to the area have been enjoying it for four generations. The region is a second home to many. The development of tourism has many social advantages for the local population as new activities are enjoyed e.g. walking clubs, angling clubs, etc.

In 1997 Kerry County Strategy Group commissioned a statistical report on the performance of tourism in the County. The report concluded that although there was a continuing increase in tourist numbers since 1993, the county share of the growth in the overseas market actually declined. The report also noted the relatively low level of marketing spent within the industry.

Cork-Kerry Tourism estimates that the revenue generated by overseas visitors around the Ring of Kerry in 2000 was 63 million (11% of total regional overseas revenue). Approximately 216,000 overseas visitors spent one or more nights on the Ring of Kerry.

Since 2003 the IRD has incubated and supported Kerry Geopark, which has its headquarters in Sneem. See Kerry Geopark website. In 2007 Kerry Geopark won the Kerry County Council Community Group of the Year Award and also the Heritage and Environment category at the same awards.