Page 47 - Donegal CC An Rpt 19

Economic Development
Promoting sustainable economic development and job creation
Plans progressed well for the development of a new dedicated Economic Development Unit within Donegal County Council with the objective of driving growth in Donegal by promoting economic development opportunities and supporting job creation through strategic investment measures.
The Council continued to work in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council in promoting the North West City Region’s compelling investment proposition. In November the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Nicholas Crossan and the Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council Cllr Michaela
Boyle led the Ireland North West Trade and Investment Mission to the US highlighting the region’s unique strategic cross border location, with a foothold in both EU and
the UK, to potential investors in both Philadelphia and Boston.
The mission included focused engagements with industry specialists, FDI executives and venture capitalists in both cities showcasing the compelling investment proposition that the northwest city region has to offer as an accessible, connected and business friendly gateway region with an ambition for greater international impact.
Local businesses from a range of sectors across both Council areas also participated in the mission meeting with potential clients and business partners with a view to increasing sales and expanding their businesses.
Tourism Marketing Team
A number of key tourism marketing milestones were met in 2019 including:
· Donegal Tourism brochure launched in February
· Hosted Donegal Tourism and Marine Tourism seminars - attended by over 150 tourism representatives
· National Geographic Traveller Photography Competition 2019
· Tour Operator event with Ireland West Airport for the launch of new flights from Germany
· Donegal Tourism TV Advertisement with Virgin Media
· Sliabh Liag - Interpretative Strategy
· Collaboration with Loganair and Donegal
Airport
· A new brochure and video promoting Cruise Tourism in County Donegal
· Virtual Reality footage of the signature points of the Wild Atlantic Way was produced and provided to visitor centres through EU Atlantic Area programme Capiten project
· Attendance at a number of trade events including: Creating Celtic Connections B2B workshop, Tourism Ireland show ITB Berlin, Holiday World Show, Boot Düsseldorf Maritime Trade event, Seafest, Victoria Square Shopping Centre Trade Show, USA Trade Mission, DIVE 2019 marine Tourism tradeshow.
· Donegal Tourism was once again in both Chicago and Milwaukee with representation from the Donegal tourism trade, tour organisers and the general public.
All the above events provided a valuable platform for the participating companies from Donegal to win business for the year ahead with the support of Donegal Tourism.
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