Rural Tourism

The Derry City Council area extends beyond the City and into an expansive rural hinterland that is host to a collection of tourism attractions covering a number of different themes including a rich and diverse natural and built heritage, activities, attractions and accommodation.  These assets provide the ideal setting for a range of activities such as walking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing and other outdoor sports. The rural area is situated within a fantastic natural setting comprising of the Faughan Valley, Eglinton Historic Plantation Village and the Sperrin Mountains, to name but a few.  

Derry City Council is working with a range of stakeholders to develop rural tourism initiatives designed to enhance its key rural heritage and cultural assets, with the aim of spreading the economic benefits of tourism throughout the Council area.  Click here for links to our rural partners and resources. 

Through the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 we have secured funding to deliver a two year ‘Rural Tourism Marketing Project’.  The purpose of the project is to raise the profile and position of Derry’s rural tourism offer nationally and internationally and to drive new product development and diversification.  The project aims to increase the international visibility, awareness, knowledge and accessibility of the rural tourism offer to consumers and influence the length of time they stay and money they spend in the rural region.

Running until the end of 2013 this programme will deliver the following:

• A baseline analysis and audit of the tourism product in the rural area;
• A rural tourism marketing strategy; and
• A marketing action plan to promote the rural area through for example, advertising, PR and trade and consumer shows.

The Rural Tourism Officer, Aeidin McCarter is responsible for delivering the programme and developing the full marketing plan.  For more information contact Aeidin on 028 71365151 ext 6937 or email Aeidin.mccarter@derrycity.gov.uk.

 

Current News:

An information session will be held over lunch on Tuesday 15th November 2011 to provide an opportunity to input to the Rural Tourism Marketing Programme.  The session will also provide updates on other projects including the Rural Development Programme’s Tourism Fund.  There will also be an opportunity to meet with the relevant officers involved on a one-to-one basis.  Everyone is welcome to attend but registration is essential.  For more information or to book a place at the event please contact Aeidin on 71365151 ext 6937 or email Aeidin.mccarter@derrycity.gov.uk.

 

Further Information:

Our Rural Partners