Bundoran Surf Commission
by Collective
Bundoran has been a recognised holiday destination for over three hundred years and the Bundoran Town Council officially recognise the importance of Tourism and of Marine Tourism within the Bundoran and Environs Development Plan 2009-2015. The plan specifically cites the following objective:
‘To explore opportunities for further enhancing Bundoran’s attractiveness as a surfing destination as a means of developing niche holiday markets as part of the town’s overall tourism product and the potential for employment generating related industry.’
Fáilte Ireland statistics consistently show the North West attracts less than 25% of all overseas visitors. The effect of global economic turmoil is evident in overseas tourism performance in recent years. However, the soft adventure and activity holiday market – into which category surfing is placed – has seen continued and trend-defying growth during this same period. According to a recent study commissioned by Bundoran Town Council, the surf industry in Bundoran in 2010 employed 56 persons and provided services to over 30,000 visitors. This same study identified recommendations for product development, branding and marketing which included the provision of “Artwork to welcome visitors to the town in line with the theme of sea or surfing”.
