Atlantic Develops as Sport & Sustainable Tourism Hub

The "Atlantic Hub for Sport and Sustainable Tourism" project is underway, a cross-border initiative focused on developing marine and sailing tourism along the Atlantic Arc. The project, which received EU funding in late 2023, is a three-year endeavor involving 15 project partners from Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and France. Its primary goal is to address the challenge of seasonal demand in coastal tourism and to position the Atlantic coast as a leading destination for sport and sustainable tourism.

Project Overview and Goals

The Atlantic Hub project aims to create a network of excellence in sport and sustainable tourism by developing innovative tourism products. This initiative will leverage the rich maritime heritage of the Atlantic Arc countries, enhancing the international visibility of the region. A key objective is to foster year-round tourism, thereby mitigating the economic impact of seasonality, which currently sees up to 70% of sailing tourism businesses depending heavily on the high season and potentially losing 50% of their revenue due to seasonal fluctuations. The project will also focus on promoting youth participation, specifically targeting 18 to 24 year olds in marine activities.

Collaborative Efforts and Key Partners

In Ireland, the project partners include the Marine Institute, the Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School (INSS), Sail Training Ireland, Offshore Racing Academy, and Fingal County Council. Dr. Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute, highlighted the project’s potential to foster collaboration among maritime communities and promote eco-friendly tourism. Adam Hyland, CEO of INSS, noted the school’s role in delivering over 5,000 sailing courses and its location at Dun Laoghaire Harbour, which attracts over 100,000 visitors annually. Sail Training Ireland, led by CEO Dara Fitzpatrick, brings extensive experience, having engaged more than 70,000 students since 1996 and boasting an annual intake of 12,000 students. The Offshore Racing Academy, through its director James Lyons, will contribute expertise in offshore racing development.

Economic Significance and Sustainable Vision

Sailing tourism is a significant economic driver in the EU, generating €28 billion annually and supporting 250,000 full-time jobs, contributing 3.5% of the GDP. Approximately 50,000 people participate in sailing tourism in Ireland each year. The Atlantic Hub project seeks to enhance the economic resilience of coastal communities by diversifying tourism offerings and extending the tourism season. It will provide training, support, and resources to local businesses and communities, ensuring that the development is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. The project envisions the Atlantic coast becoming a premier destination, benefiting the 17 million people who live in the EU’s coastal areas.

Key Points

• Received EU funding in late 2023.
• Three-year project duration.
• 15 project partners from Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and France.
• Irish National Sailing & Powerboat School (INSS) delivers over 5,000 sailing courses.
• Dun Laoghaire Harbour attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
• Sail Training Ireland has engaged more than 70,000 students since 1996.
• Sail Training Ireland has an annual intake of 12,000 students.
• Approximately 50,000 people participate in sailing tourism in Ireland annually.
• Sailing tourism generates €28 billion annually in the EU.
• Sailing tourism supports 250,000 full-time jobs in the EU.
• Sailing tourism contributes 3.5% of the EU’s GDP.
• 17 million people live in the EU’s coastal areas.
• The project targets 18 to 24 year olds for youth participation.
• Up to 70% of sailing tourism businesses depend on the high season.
• Up to 50% of revenue can be lost due to seasonality.

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