We are thrilled to announce that Mayo North Tourism has once again been nominated for the prestigious Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Awards, this time for 2024, in the Community Tourism Category. This recognition is a testament to the continued impact of our small but highly dedicated team in promoting tourism across Ballina, North Mayo, and the surrounding areas.
Mayo County Council states that “The Cathaoirleach’s Awards honour and celebrate the individuals and groups that work quietly behind the scenes to make our communities stronger, more vibrant and caring, often inspiring and motivating others to become actively involved in their communities.”
The awards ceremony is set to take place this evening, Thursday 13th March. We eagerly anticipate connecting with fellow finalists, expressing our gratitude for the unwavering support we receive, and celebrating the honour of being nominated once again.
Mayo North Tourism: A Community-Driven Initiative
Founded in 2013, Mayo North Tourism has remained steadfast in its mission to promote the tourism potential of Ballina, North Mayo, and the broader region. With the backing of Mayo County Council, Moy Valley Resources IRD, and Ballina Chamber of Commerce, we have successfully enhanced the area’s profile, covering the stretch from Ballina to Belmullet and beyond, making it a must-visit tourism destination.
Economic Impact and Growth
According to an independent assessment conducted by Repucon Consulting, supported by Fáilte Ireland, Mayo North Tourism’s initiatives generated an estimated €2.78 million in tourism-related revenue in 2023 alone. The report highlights:
- 27,000 visitors annually generated by www.northmayo.ie, including:
- 8,500 overseas visitors contributing €880,000 in expenditure.
- 18,500 domestic visitors contributing €1.9 million in expenditure.
- 27,000 projected bed nights, with overnight visitor expenditure totaling €2.44 million:
- €770,000 from overseas visitors
- €1.67 million from domestic visitors
- 13,500 day visitors, generating €340,000 in expenditure:
- €110,000 from overseas visitors
- €230,000 from domestic visitors
These figures underscore the organisation’s crucial role in driving both international and domestic tourism to the region, directly benefiting local businesses and communities.
Recognition and Achievements
In 2024, Mayo North Tourism was proudly named “Best Community-Led Tourism Initiative – West of Ireland” at the European Travel Awards. Additionally, the sinking of the MV Shingle in Killala Bay to create an artificial reef attracted a staggering 2.9 million online impressions worldwide, showcasing the region on a global stage.
Marketing Reach and Promotion
We actively market and promote the region and its festivals to a significant audience. In 2024 alone, our social media reach exceeded 3.9 million people, reinforcing North Mayo’s reputation as a premier destination. Our website, www.northmayo.ie, is updated daily and plays a key role in attracting visitors.
Our efforts include:
- Hosting numerous content creators and journalists, resulting in high-profile media coverage.
- Organising a region-wide giveaway campaign for our 10th anniversary.
- Representing North Mayo at festivals, events, and consumer shows.
- Promoting over 150 local events and festivals in collaboration with community groups and organisers.
Collaboration – The Strength of Our Community and Members
This latest nomination for the Cathaoirleach’s Awards in Community Tourism would not have been possible without the support of our incredible members and local businesses. Whether we win or not, this recognition is a shared achievement that celebrates the collective efforts of our entire community. Every contribution—big or small—plays a crucial role in shaping North Mayo as a premier tourism destination.
Support and Future Growth
To maintain and expand our impact, we encourage businesses to join our membership programme. Member benefits include national PR exposure, press trip inclusion, social media promotion, and event representation, ensuring strong visibility for businesses within our network.
As we continue our journey, we call upon policymakers, stakeholders, and the wider community to support Mayo North Tourism’s efforts in making North Mayo a standout destination for visitors worldwide.
Can you find a better community to live, work, and promote? We certainly don’t think so! Thank you once again to everyone for your ongoing support. Here’s to another fantastic year ahead for Mayo North Tourism!
