Project Description
Kildare Strategic Tourism Development Plan 2012 – 2016
First Western was contracted by Kildare Fáilte, to prepare their Strategic Tourism Plan and roadmap for the 2012 – 2016. Co. Kildare is in the east of Ireland close to the capital city Dublin. Dublin has a very strong economic and social influence on the north of the county, while the south is more rurally dominated.
Particular challenges that needed to be addressed included strategies to convert the high level of day visitors to over night stays, attract more overseas visitors, especially those staying in nearby 
Dublin, develop the mass of heritage and cultural product within the county and provide a balance sustainable and harmonious balance of economic activity between the north and south of the county.
First Western engaged extensively with the industry in the county organising and facilitating several planning meetings with the industry on a thematic and geographical basis. This allow specific challenges to be examined and opportunities to be fleshed out. Detailed individual interviews with private and public stakeholders took place across the county to collect specific industry feedback and engagement levels. Benchmarking of the Kildare product against national and international standards was carried out as part of the strategic plan development process. The final plan identified significant new product development initiatives including the Canals greenway, the Guinness trail and potential of the Curragh.
The plan was launched in early 2013 and implementation of the actions is progressing as planned.
