Visitor Experience Development Plan (VEDP) for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins

Visitor Experience Development Plan (VEDP) for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins agreed following public consultation

A new 10-year roadmap for tourism in the Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins has been agreed following a 12-week public consultation, with 93% of survey respondents (131 respondents in total) in favour of the new Visitor Experience Development Plan (VEDP) for the area.

Background to VEDP
The VEDP for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins has been 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 Plan recognises the tourism potential of the area and aims to reposition the Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins as world class sustainable and regenerative tourism propositions, where visitors immerse themselves in its rich natural and cultural heritage, to the benefit of local communities, businesses and the environment.

Public consultation report
Public consultation on the VEDP ran for 12-weeks from 08 July – 30 September 2022.

Consultation activity included industry briefings, stakeholder engagement events, information stands, drop-in consultation sessions and an online survey.

A report on the public consultation, which includes further information on the level of support for various elements of the VEDP and an overview of the comments made in response to each of the consultation questions, is available to view by clicking on this link. In addition, the report outlines amendments that are being made to the VEDP following feedback received as part of the public consultation.

Thank you
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Tourism NI and Waterways Ireland would like to thank everyone for their interest in the Visitor Experience Development Plan and for their engagement in the public consultation, helping to shape the final plan for the Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins.

What happens next?
The VEDP will now be updated with the amendments and officially launched in early 2023. The Plan will also be available on the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council website in the coming weeks.

We will now progress to put arrangements in place with key strategic partners to manage the VEDP. This will involve agreeing and starting to deliver a focused plan of action in collaboration with the public, private and community sectors, to enhance the visitor experience and to work towards the ambition of Fermanagh and Omagh being globally recognised as an exemplar regenerative tourism destination for the benefit of all.

Keep up to date
Further updates on the roll out of the VEDP and how you can get involved, as well as updates and information in relation to tourism locally, will be available in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s e-Tourism Information Update.

If you would like to keep up to date and are not signed up to receive the e-Tourism Information Update already, then please email tourismdevelopment@fermanaghomagh.com.