Cork Harbour Islands and Cork County Council brings Tourism to Centre Stage

Cork Harbour Islands (CHI) has had a very successful 2018 which has directly increased tourism for their members. Utilising both traditional and digital marketing CHI has brought an influx of attention to the area.

Cork County Council generously contributed €12,500 to CHI in 2018, this funding went directly to a brand new marketing campaign aimed at promoting the surrounding areas both nationally and internationally. Róisín FitzGerald of Fota Wildlife Park says “This funding allowed for creation of a vlog which has given viewers a visual insight into Cork Harbour Islands’ members, successful cinema and TV advertisements, and social media advertising which resulted in increased footfall in the areas as well as a 105% increase of social media followers.”

Séamus Leahy, Director of Marketing at Fota Island Resort says “the outstanding work completed by CHI, in collaboration with Cork County Council’s efforts has brought the harbour islands to the foreground of Cork tourism. The efforts made by the team at CHI is truly remarkable and their success in 2018 is testament to that”

Gillen Joyce of The Titanic Experience explains “This year, CHI is aiming to expand on existing concepts such increasing from 18 members to 20/23.” Further adding “To achieve this goal, CHI plans to continue their work with the MSc Management and Marketing programme in University College Cork. Due to the renowned success in 2018, CHI have confirmed that they are to welcome a new marketing intern from the Masters in March 2019.” Furthermore, CHI intends to utilise their social media platforms to greater effect, by integrating their digital marketing plan within cinema and TV advertising, they will continue to expand even further their National TV Advertising Campaigns in 2019.

What’s new for 2019? As well as expanding on current concepts, CHI will also be undertaking new initiatives. Advertising reach will extend through billboard usage on major national routes as well as carrying out on-board advertising on ferries. Also for 2019, CHI will be attempting to carry out an international marketing plan. Coordinating with Cork Airport and operating PPC, display advertising and re-marketing to key direct access areas in UK initially with direct Cork Flights to achieve this goal.

The current CHI executive consists of Gillen Joyce of The Titanic Experience, Sean McKeown and Róisín FitzGerald of Fota Wildlife Park, Séamus Leahy of Fota Island Resort, Derek Binchy of Fota Island Adventure, Victoria Tammadge of Fota House, Debi French of Radisson Hotel Little Island and Caitriona and Erik Johansson of Cuskinny Court. The current members list includes: Cork County Council, Fota House – Arboretum and Gardens, Fota Island Resort, Fota Island Adventure, Radisson Blu Little Island, Cork Airport Authority, Fota Wildlife Park, Titanic Experience, Cuskinny Court, Sail Cork, Titanic Trail, Cork Harbour Boat Hire, Commodore Hotel, Waters Edge Hotel, The Irish Hotel Federation, The Quays Bar & Restaurant, Garyvoe Hotel, Bayview Hotel, Cobh Road Train, Titanic Bar & Grill, Spike Island, Geaney Hire LTD Carrigtwohill, and Port of Cork.