Members of the public are invited to find out more and to have their say on a new 10-year road map for tourism in Fermanagh and Omagh at drop-in consultation sessions taking place in the area this month, September.

The draft Visitor Experience Development Plan (VEDP) for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins sets out an ambitious 10-year framework and action plan to improve the tourism and visitor experience to benefit the local economy, communities and the environment through sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Jointly funded and developed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Tourism NI and Waterways Ireland, following input from the public, private and community sectors, the draft VEDP is currently open for public consultation.

As part of the public consultation process, drop-in consultation sessions for members of the public will take place in Omagh on Thursday, September 8, at the Connect Centre, Strule House, 16 High Street, from 9am to 5pm, and at Strule Arts Centre, café area, from 7pm to 9pm.

In Enniskillen, there will be similar drop-in sessions on Wednesday, September 14 from 9am to 5pm at the Connect Centre, County Buildings, East Bridge Street, and from 7pm to 9pm in the reception area at The Ardhowen, Dublin Road.

Encouraging people to get involved, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “The draft VEDP for Fermanagh Lakelands and for Omagh and the Sperrins recognises the tourism potential of the area and how it can support sustainable and thriving communities, spaces and places across the area.

“Have your say. Play your part in enhancing the strong tourism offering within the district and the benefits that it can bring for visitors, local communities, businesses and the environment.”

Tourism NI’s Regional Manager, Martin Graham said: “Tourism NI is pleased to collaborate with the Council and Waterways Ireland on a new VEDP ... to act as a roadmap for tourism growth and delivery in this area.

“We are also aware that the depth and breadth of distinctive visitor experiences have the opportunity to encourage both domestic and international visitors to spend longer and contribute significantly to tourism revenue both locally and in Northern Ireland as a whole.”

Hailing the potential of the VEDP, Joe Gillespie, Regional Manager, Northern Region, Waterways Ireland, said: “Its successful delivery will support the creation of unforgettable holiday experiences that will benefit local businesses and communities in the area.”

Public consultation on the draft VEDP remains open until 4pm, on Friday, September 30. It is available to download from the Council’s website, or to view at a number of the Council’s venues and facilities.

An online survey on the draft VEDP is also available to complete at the Council’s website.

For further information on the consultation and how to get involved, visit the consultations section at www.fermanaghomagh.com, or contact the Council’s tourism team at 0300 303 1777.