PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: Businesses in the Reeks District are coming together to create an ambitious marketing plan. Pictured are: Jens Bachem (Chair), Cliodhna Foley (Vice Chair), and Declan Falvey (Treasurer). Photo: Riona MacMonagle

A number of Kerry businesses and individuals have come together to help fund an ambitious marketing and promotional plan that aims to boost tourism and economic development over the next three years.

Funds raised by the 20-plus member group in the Reeks District, which spans from Inch Beach
to Glenbeigh and includes the Ireland’s highest mountain Carrauntoohil, alongside the subscriptions of the tourism organisation’s members, will lead to an investment of €500,000 by the end of 2024 to help fund activities that promote the region on both the domestic and international markets and sustainably increase visitor numbers to the area. Marketing of ‘shoulder season’ visits will be one particular focus of the campaigns.

Like many other regions, it has suffered due to the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, and the cash injection is set to help build on the pre-pandemic success of the region following its 2018 re-brand from Mid Kerry.

“We would like to thank the local business owners for their belief in the Reeks District project," Chair of the Reeks District Jens Bachem said. "We look forward to working with them, Kerry County
Council, South Kerry Development Partnership and other groups to help us reach further
successes. Every region has been hit hard by COVID-19 and the Reeks District is no different, but if
people pull together, a huge amount can be achieved. While our plans are ambitious, we believe
we have a track record of producing strong results against the odds. It is no more ambitious than
Reeks District being named one of Rough Guides Top Six Destinations in the World to Visit in 2019,
just 18 months from launch.”

Those looking for more information on how they can support the Reeks District can visit
www.reeksdistrict.com.