Press Release - ‘The Joy of Wexford’ 19 th February 2007
Last weekend ‘The Joy of Wexford’ campaign hosted a sponsored reception for the Progressive Democrats Annual Conference. The conference with 1,000 delegates, is one of the largest to be hosted in County Wexford in many years and ‘The Joy of Wexford’ steering group is working hard to ensure it is just the first of many.
At the reception, the Steering Group met with An Tanaiste, Michael McDowell, Minister for Health, Mary Harney and many senior advisers to the Progressive Democrats. It was an opportunity to brief them on the work of the ‘Joy of Wexford’ and also to promote the county. The reception also featured a ‘Taste of Wexford’ which was a selection of local produce from Wexford Creamery, Ballycross Apple Farm, Carrigbyrne Farmhouse Cheese and Paganini.
In addition, each of the 1,000 delegates was given an information pack on what County Wexford has to offer in terms of business and employment opportunities, visitor attractions and accommodation options. ‘Joy of Wexford’ partner hotels have also offered a preferential accommodation rate for any of the delegates interested in returning to the area in 2007. Each pack included a Discounted Retail Voucher in 18 premier outlets and attractions in the area which proved very popular.
‘The Joy of Wexford’ also distributed information packs to over 50 members of the national media based in the area for the weekend. The pack included details on what the area has to offer as well as a complimentary accommodation voucher or round of golf for locations throughout the county. This was very warmly received by the media who were very impressed at the facilities and range of premier accommodation providers in the area.
In his speech, at the reception, Steering Group Chairman Philip Scallan acknowledged that County Wexford businesses and those in the hospitality sector had recognised that the County has a superior product to offer those interested in investment opportunities and that the county had to be proactive and actively raise awareness of what was on offer. To do this end the fundraising campaign is well underway, in March a TV advertising campaign will be aired to encourage people to live, work, visit and do business in County Wexford. Follow up launches will shortly take place in Gorey, New Ross and Enniscorthy to ensure there is a consolidated effort countywide.
Any businesses interested in supporting the campaign are asked to contact Emer Lovett, Wexford Chamber (tel 053-91-22226) or Phil Keeling, County Wexford Tourism (tel 053-91-52901).
