TOURISM is one of the main drivers of the Clare economy and in the North Clare region the Burren plays a pivotal role in this sector.

Next Wednesday night, an information and network event will be held to showcase the activities, adventures, food and heritage of the Burren Region.

The Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, in conjunction with the Burren Ecotourism Network, will host The Burren Tourism Story 2014, at the Pavilion, Lisdoonvarna from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

The event will feature information stands, food tastings, the launch of the Burren’s first adventure and activities trail, and guest presentations from author and green business lecturer Prof. Finbarr Bradley; head of programmes and delivery Fáilte Ireland, Fiona Monaghan and award-winning travel writer and journalist, Pól O’Conghaile.
Tina O’Dwyer, sustainable tourism co-ordinator, Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark explained that the primary purpose of the upcoming event will be to highlight the variety and quality of visitor attractions and activities on offer in the Burren.

“Tourism is one of the main drivers of the Clare economy and the county is blessed with many natural wonders and attributes. None more so than the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, which as the name suggests, comprises two of the most iconic natural attractions on the island of Ireland.
“Apart from the spectacular and inspiring landscape, however, members of the Burren Ecotourism Network have been leading the way in developing compelling new experiences and events designed to attract visitors who stay a little longer in the area,” she emphasised.

“Visitors who stay a second night in the county contribute more than double the economic return of visitors staying just one night. Anything that enables accommodation providers in particular to promote packages of activities that highlight reasons to stay another night is beneficial to the overall tourism economy in Clare,” she said.

Commenting on the variety of the tourism product on offer on the Burren, Ms O’Dwyer stated, “The Burren Food Trail and new Burren Outdoor Adventure and Activity Trail are examples of innovative product development by the Burren Ecotourism group.”