Students urged to explore Bantry's tourism options

BANTRY Bay Port Company has launched its inaugural Schools Initiative aimed at 5th class primary schools. 

The theme – A Day in the Life of a Cruise Passenger Visiting Bantry Harbour – is aimed at encouraging school children to explore the tourism aspect of Bantry harbour and the West Cork region.

 Tourism plays a vital role in Bantry port’s business, with a number of small cruise liners visiting the harbour each year. These cruise passengers and crew visit West Cork during the summer months, bringing an economic boost to the region. All 5th classes who participate in the Bantry Bay Port Company’s initiative will be invited on a boat trip around beautiful Garinish Island, compliments of Bantry Bay Port Company.  

An award will also be given for the ‘Best Artwork Piece’ and each participating class and teacher will receive a Class Certificate of Participation.

Captain Paul O’Regan, Bantry Bay Port Company harbourmaster said the initiative was a great way for primary school children to learn about the history of Bantry port and the role it plays in the region. ‘The theme this year relates to cruise tourism and this is an area Bantry Bay Port Company will be aiming to increase in the coming years,’ he said.

‘Many local families are involved in tourism, either directly or indirectly, and so it’s important that children understand tourism and the business it generates for the region. We hope our initiative will make learning fun for the school children,’ Capt O’Regan added.

 Projects must contain a high level of visual content and can contain photographs, as well as artwork. The creativity of each project will be taken into account when being judged, as well as visual impact, originality, content and presentation. 

Bantry Bay Port Company will provide each participating school with a piece of ply-wood 2ft x 2ft and this must be used for the project.  Closing date for submissions is Friday May 6th. 

All submitted projects will go on public display in Bantry during the summer months.

See www.bantrybayport.com or contact 027 53277