A TOURISM campaign is putting the spotlight on West Cork as part of a drive to attract more visitors to the region.

Visit Cork, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, has launched a slick campaign to position Cork as a leading destination for immersive, experience-led travel.

The Experience Cork initiative is mainly aimed at tourists from abroad, but also encourages locals to discover sights and activities on their doorstep.

The campaign launch video features a number of West Cork places and landmarks such as the Baltimore Beacon, as well as activities like whale watching and food tours.

A number of tourism businesses and operators are highlighted, including Atlantic Sea Kayaking, Cape Clear Ferries, Fastnet Rock Lighthouse Tours, Kinsale Food Tours, Wild Atlantic Glamping, Dursey Boat Trips and Gormú Eco Adventures.

‘It looks stunning and naturally we are very proud that our swimming and cycling experiences, and our hiking on the Toe Head Peninsula are featured in it,’ said Conor Ó Buachalla of Gormú Eco Adventures.

‘The first video went out this week and more videos will be released. Next month there will be one all about West Cork, and each of the businesses also has individual videos. It can only help people put themselves in the picture when it comes to experiencing what West Cork has to offer. The secret is that we all work together and give visitors a sense that this is a destination where there’s lots and lots to see and do.’

Participating businesses received professional photography and video production to use as web content, and also took part in digital marketing workshops.

In the coming months, the campaign will roll out across digital, social and trade channels with the aim of boosting visitor growth, as well as increasing the amount of time people stay in Cork alongside more year-round revenue for the county’s activity, experience and food sector.

Josephine O’Driscoll, manager Wild Atlantic Way, Fáilte Ireland, said: ‘The development of these itineraries and the showcasing of activity and food experiences in West Cork is a key priority and core project of the West Cork Destination and Experience Development Plan.

‘The West Cork Tourism Network is particularly proud to see this work come to life, it reflects  a few years of collaboration by all businesses to present West Cork in a joined up, visitor focused way.

‘This strong collaboration between local operators and partners genuinely reflects what makes West Cork special. It’s great to see the quality, character and diversity of the region being showcased so wonderfully at national and international level, that magical West Cork feeling really shines through.  Some work done and more to do.’

Industry research shows that more than 60% of overseas visitors to Ireland now cite activities and experiences as a key factor when choosing their destination, with experiential travel growing much faster than sightseeing holidays.

‘West Cork plays a pivotal role in the campaign as it has incredible experiences,’ said Seamus Heaney, Head of Visit Cork.

‘It’s a place where visitors can actively engage - getting out on the water, exploring coastal trails, and meeting locals who bring the stories of the region to life. This sense of connection, combined with the area’s natural beauty, is a key driver in attracting visitors seeking more meaningful and memorable travel.’

More information at www.purecork.ie/ExperienceCork