The Visitor Experience Development Plan also warns that tourism in the region is also unbalanced.
Dingle town, which has strong tourism infrastructure, is “a hot spot” dominating the other areas which do not benefit and are not developed to the same extent.
This imbalance also extends to seasonality. While Dingle town is perceived to enjoy a nine-month visitor season, smaller communities in the region only benefit for three months each year.
The most westerly peninsula in Europe has several strengths including its scenery and rich native tradition.
But the report notes the tourist industry has failed to capitalise on its rich culture, not least in terms of the Irish language and its strong linguistic heritage.
Dingle tourism at a crossroads , Fáilte Ireland plan finds
Reputationally and in volume terms, the Dingle peninsula performs highly, but tourists spend little time and little money there
Fáilte Ireland launches new long-term tourism plan for the Dingle Peninsula - Dunmore Head
Fri, 15 Jan, 2021 - 12:30
Anne Lucey
Already bracing itself for the loss of Fungie in 2021, tourism in Dingle is “at a crossroads,” a new tourism plan finds. Reputationally and in volume terms, the Dingle peninsula is a high-performing destination. But tourists spend little time and little money there and only key pockets benefit.
The volumes of visitor traffic around Slea Head and the Conor Pass are “huge” but the coaches, while clogging the roads, bring little value to the area, the plan says.