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By Michelle Crean

Fáilte Ireland has big plans to give Killarney a fresh new look when it comes to branding itself for the tourism markets.

This week the National Tourism Development Authority issued a tender "seeking proposals from suitably qualified suppliers" to "develop a brand proposition for Killarney" to "create an impactful world class tourism destination brand recognised domestically and internationally".

As far back as 2019 plans were put in place to establish Killarney as a gateway town for visitors exploring the Wild Atlantic Way. However, with the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on the tourism markets this past year this new road map will help in its future recovery, Josephine O'Driscoll, Wild Atlantic Manager at Fáilte Ireland, explained to the Killarney Advertiser.

"We're now looking at recovery. It's still only in draft format. With COVID, it's more important now that there's a roadmap ready."

Josephine added that it's not just Killarney town that is being rebranded but most towns in Kerry, however getting the tourism brand right in Killarney "will benefit the rest of the county".

"Killarney is an internationally recognised brand and we want to refresh it in light of the changing need of the visitor both domestic and international. How do we now need to sell Killarney to the visitor? We're looking for an agency to work with and see what needs to be done to refresh it."