Fáilte Ireland has launched a five-year plan that aims to drive and sustain tourism in Cavan, Leitrim and the northern part of Roscommon.
The Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan aims to extend the tourism season and spread business across the region, which is part of "Ireland's Hidden Heartlands".
Fáilte Ireland intends to position the Beara Breifne Way as an internationally recognised way-marked walking trail as well as connecting businesses and communities in the region with the diaspora market.
The five-year plan identifies a range of initiatives designed to raise awareness of the destination, increase the length of visitor stay, expand the range and quality of visitor experiences and strengthen the value of tourism to local communities.
Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly said: "The implementation of this plan has the potential to significantly increase the domestic and international appeal of Leitrim, Cavan and north Roscommon.
Mr Kelly envisages the plan can help create high-quality jobs and strengthen communities.
"It will build on a number of significant capital investment projects supported by Fáilte Ireland in the area, including the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre, and ongoing work at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.
"It also identifies new investment opportunities around the Shannon, Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the Beara Breifne Way, as well in the forest parks, lakelands and heritage and cultural gems that make this region so unique.
"This will collectively help strengthen this area’s position as an internationally compelling destination within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands," he said.
The launch took place at the Arigna Mining Experience, Co Roscommon. The plan was developed in consultation with key stakeholders.
The stakeholders included local authorities, county local development companies, Waterways Ireland, community groups and tourism businesses.
DEPD Co-Chair Tony Walker believes "Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is a sleeping giant".
He said collaboration between State bodies and stakeholders can help them offer "world-class regenerative tourism".
DEPD Co-Chair Eileen Gibbons echoed those remarks adding it’s essential that tourism development is done keeping the "natural resources of nature and environment at the heart of every action as set out in the plan".
