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By Michelle Crean

A new marketing and communications agency - with a Kerry woman at the helm - has been appointed to develop tourism in Kerry following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the industry.

Kerry Tourism Industry Federation (KTIF) this week announced, that O'Connell Marketing, founded by Jean O'Connell from Currow, has won the contract after a competitive tendering process.

The O'Connell Marketing team will, in conjunction with the KTIF marketing group and oversight from the KTIF board and Kerry County Council, strategically develop and implement an integrated marketing and communications plan for 'Discover Kerry', the consumer-facing brand for county Kerry.

The agency specialises in working with different tourism, hospitality and destination brands with a focus on both the domestic and international markets. Jean and her team have offices in Wexford and Kerry but work remotely across Ireland and further afield on a variety of projects. The creative team are diverse with expertise in brand development, consumer and industry engagement, strategic marketing and digital communications.

“We are thrilled to have won the marketing and communications contract for ‘Discover Kerry’," Jean said. "Kerry is my home county, and I love spending time at home with my family rediscovering the stunning scenic landscapes and the variety of tourism businesses Kerry has to offer. I am very aware of the devastating impact COVID-19 continues to have on the industry and my team and I look forward to working with all stakeholders involved in 'Discover Kerry' to boost county Kerry's tourism recovery."

KTIF as the representative body for tourism in Kerry is an alliance of all parties, including industry bodies, chambers of commerce and local tourism groups.

[caption id="attachment_35991" align="alignleft" width="198"] Pat O'Leary. Photo: Don MacMonagle[/caption]

Pat O'Leary, Chairperson of KTIF, would like to extend his thanks to the Board and the voluntary marketing group. He would particularly like to acknowledge the support and co-operation received from Kerry County Council, South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP), North, East, West Kerry Partnership (NEWKD) and the department of Rural Community Development in this process.

“On behalf of KTIF, I am delighted to welcome the team at O'Connell Marketing on board, and we look forward to working with them in the promotion of our beautiful county as the premier tourism destination. This applies not only to domestic and international tourists but also to our own community who live and work in the county,” Mr O'Leary said.