208. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment if he will report on his proposals to cultivate cross-border tourism. [66311/26]

The Shared Island Brand Collaboration Project, which aims to build stronger links between the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route, has progressed significantly this year. In February, the Taoiseach and I, together with Minister Archibald, announced the 13 successful projects under the Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme. These projects support the development of high-quality, immersive visitor experiences across both jurisdictions.

The inaugural Shared Island tourism workshop took place in the Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry on 9th September, where tourism businesses from the Causeway Coastal Route and the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way had a unique opportunity to showcase the best of this part of our island to top overseas travel buyers. The event brought together around 50 overseas tour operators from eight key tourism markets with 110 tourism SMEs from Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal and the Causeway Coastal Route, from Hazelbank Park to Derry-Londonderry.

The workshop was the first initiative of its kind under the Shared Island framework; it aimed to sustainably grow overseas visitor numbers, by highlighting the connectivity of the two iconic routes, encouraging visitors to stay longer here, thereby increasing the economic benefits of tourism. Over 1,500 commercial meetings took place during the workshop, with the local tourism businesses – from premium hotels, food experiences and whiskey distilleries to activity providers and hidden gems of heritage – connecting with the overseas tour operators to negotiate and exchange vital contracts for 2027 and beyond, and ultimately to bring valuable tourists to this part of our island. During their time here, the overseas buyers also participated in networking sessions and familiarisation trips along the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route.

In February 2025, the next phase of the Shared Island Initiative was launched, with up to €23 million allocated to the Shared Destinations Programme targeting border regions. This initiative involves Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland working collaboratively with local authorities to develop sustainable tourism infrastructure in areas such as Carlingford Lough, the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Sliabh Beagh. It also includes an International Marketing Programme designed to maximise economic benefits for each region. The projects under this programme have now commenced, with the project teams established and initial work underway.

Through the All-Island Strategic Tourism Group, established under the North South Ministerial Council, the Department and tourism agencies will continue to cooperate closely with counterparts in Northern Ireland. This collaboration will focus on advancing key areas of North-South coordination, unlocking the full tourism potential of the island, and delivering lasting benefits for both visitors and local communities.

In addition, Fáilte Ireland has established localised five-year Destination Experience Development Plans (DEDPs), which bring public and private sector organisations together to prioritise tourism development projects and optimise their chance for success. Their goal is to unlock tourism potential while ensuring development enhances visitor experience, supports the local economy, and protects the environment and culture through collaboration and best practice. This includes the Border DEDP which features counties Cavan and Leitrim, Waterways Ireland, local development companies, tourism businesses, and communities.