The
research explores what is the current service provision in a specific area on
the “Wild Atlantic Way” (WAW) in County Donegal. The paper identifies those
service providers that currently participate in the “visitor experience” on a section
of the route Rossnowlagh to Slieve League Cliffs; one of the 3 iconic
designated signature experiences in Donegal. This allows the researcher to
obtain insight in relation to the status quo in the tourism product offering,
whether registered or not with an affiliated body. These facts and feedback
that relate to the small to medium business sector in tourism provide rich data
for recommendations for a collaborative approach for a future sustainable
development plan. In relation to the research both
qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out. Statistical analysis was
also carried out using frequencies and percentages in order to examine trends
among the participant’s responses. The launch of WAW by Tourism
Ireland/Failte Ireland, offers a unique opportunity to Donegal. It may open the
“flood gates”; allowing access to mainstream tourism, previously concentrated
on the lower counties. The impact of the recession in Ireland and particularly
the Northwest from 2008, has resulted in closure of many facilities; hotels, B&Bs
and businesses in general. Regeneration in the tourism sector is imperative for
Donegal to reach its potential, in terms of provision of services, employment
and income. The introduction of the WAW is an inspiration for surrounding
communities; a vision for a sustainable future. A review of the literature
indicates that developing rural tourism and marketing through its stakeholders,
Donegal will need to meet the emerging needs of independent travellers in terms
of accommodation, activities, access natural resources, countryside and local
culture. With the development of the Roadmap initiative “The WAW”, it is
anticipated that the number of visitors will increase in Donegal. This will
require additional accommodation and facilities. The overall aim of this study
is to ascertain the current service provision for visitors, to identify gaps in
the provision, and to make recommendations for further developments to support
tourism providers, thereby enhancing “the visitor experience”.
The
research explores what is the current service provision in a specific area on
the “Wild Atlantic Way” (WAW) in County Donegal. The paper identifies those
service providers that currently participate in the “visitor experience” on a section
of the route Rossnowlagh to Slieve League Cliffs; one of the 3 iconic
designated signature experiences in Donegal. This allows the researcher to
obtain insight in relation to the status quo in the tourism product offering,
whether registered or not with an affiliated body. These facts and feedback
that relate to the small to medium business sector in tourism provide rich data
for recommendations for a collaborative approach for a future sustainable
development plan. In relation to the research both
qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out. Statistical analysis was
also carried out using frequencies and percentages in order to examine trends
among the participant’s responses. The launch of WAW by Tourism
Ireland/Failte Ireland, offers a unique opportunity to Donegal. It may open the
“flood gates”; allowing access to mainstream tourism, previously concentrated
on the lower counties. The impact of the recession in Ireland and particularly
the Northwest from 2008, has resulted in closure of many facilities; hotels, B&Bs
and businesses in general. Regeneration in the tourism sector is imperative for
Donegal to reach its potential, in terms of provision of services, employment
and income. The introduction of the WAW is an inspiration for surrounding
communities; a vision for a sustainable future. A review of the literature
indicates that developing rural tourism and marketing through its stakeholders,
Donegal will need to meet the emerging needs of independent travellers in terms
of accommodation, activities, access natural resources, countryside and local
culture. With the development of the Roadmap initiative “The WAW”, it is
anticipated that the number of visitors will increase in Donegal. This will
require additional accommodation and facilities. The overall aim of this study
is to ascertain the current service provision for visitors, to identify gaps in
the provision, and to make recommendations for further developments to support
tourism providers, thereby enhancing “the visitor experience”.
Keywords Wild
Atlantic Way, Rural Donegal, Service providers, Sustainable tourism,
Collaboration.
