Joint statement from Cllr Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cllr Thomas O’Reilly, Chair of Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism are pleased to share with you a significant and positive development in the delivery of tourism marketing across the Fermanagh and Omagh District and the Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins visitor destinations.

From January 2026, the tourism marketing function, currently delivered by Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism on behalf of the Council, will be delivered by the Council, with the Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism team becoming Council employees.

This move reflects the Council’s commitment to tourism and destination marketing. Tourism is of significant importance to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the District. The Council is committed to the development of the District as a world class sustainable and regenerative tourism destination where visitors enjoy our rich natural and cultural heritage, benefitting local communities, businesses and the environment, and the vision for this is set out in the 2022-2032 Visitor Experience Development Plan for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and The Sperrins.

We recognise the invaluable contribution of the Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism team; their expertise and deep understanding of our local tourism landscape will continue to play a vital role in promoting the District as a vibrant and compelling visitor destination. Industry engagement has played a key role in the successful work of Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism and this collaborative approach will be maintained by the Council going forward.

As we move forward in 2026, the Council, along with its partners, will continue to deliver the District’s long-term tourism strategy, focused on sustainable growth, innovation and community benefit, through a number of key actions:

• Creating regenerative visitor experiences that deliver lasting benefits to local communities and the environment

• Strengthening partnerships with Tourism NI, Waterways Ireland and the local tourism sector to enhance the District’s appeal as a world-class destination

• Supporting tourism businesses, from accommodation providers and attractions to hospitality and activity operators, through tailored business support and marketing initiatives

• Targeting key visitor segments from across Ireland, north and south

• Investing in infrastructure and innovation, ensuring Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins is globally recognised as an exemplar of sustainable and inclusive tourism.

Moving forward, the destination marketing function undertaken by the Council will play an important role in progressing these actions by amplifying our visitor message, engaging target audiences and local industry and partners.

We would like to thank the Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism Board and team, for their dedication and collaborative spirit throughout this process. Their efforts have laid a strong foundation for this integration and will help to ensure its success.

Together, we look forward to building on the achievements of the past and delivering a bold, inclusive vision for tourism that supports local communities, enhances visitor experiences and positions Fermanagh and Omagh as a world-class regenerative tourism destination.

Cllr Barry McElduff, Chair, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
Cllr Thomas O’Reilly, Chair, Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism