Longford groups invited to apply for €200,000 Airbnb Tourism Fund
The fund is open to community groups, rural tourism organisations, small businesses and local enterprises across the Republic of Ireland.
Longford groups and organisations have been encouraged to apply for 'Ireland’s Rural Tourism Fund', which has been doubled this year to €200,000.
Airbnb has today launched the second year of the initiative to support locally led projects and organisations that help visitors discover rural Ireland, and strengthen rural communities.
The fund is open to community groups, rural tourism organisations, small businesses and local enterprises across the Republic of Ireland.
To support the fund, Airbnb has partnered with category experts, Ireland's Association for Adventure Tourism, Historic Houses of Ireland, and Vintners' Federation of Ireland.
Applications are open across three categories, Outdoor & Activity, Heritage & Arts, and Hospitality & Food and they will close on September 16.
Airbnb is an online service that lets people rent out their homes, rooms, or unique spaces to travellers.
Launching ahead of National Heritage Week (15-23 August), rural tourism plays a vital role in preserving Ireland’s heritage, supporting local jobs, and sharing the benefits of tourism beyond major cities.
Airbnb claimed it continues to ‘champion rural tourism, with 71% of bookings in Ireland taking place in predominantly rural areas’.
The company said ‘by helping visitors discover unique, off-the-beaten-track places and experiences, the fund aims to boost small communities, support cultural landmarks, and ensure regional economies continue to thrive’.
Airbnb said a ‘visitor might come for a bike tour, stay for lunch at a local café and then discover a nearby heritage attraction or weekend festival’.
The multinational company stated ‘together, these experiences encourage visitors to stay longer, explore further and spread the benefits of tourism across rural communities throughout the year’.
Speaking on the launch, Velma Corcoran, Director of Government Relations and Policy Campaigns at Airbnb, said: "We're delighted to launch the second year of Airbnb's Rural Tourism Fund — doubling the funding to €200,000 after last year's incredible response from communities across Ireland.
“Rural tourism is at the heart of what makes Ireland unique, and with the vast majority of Airbnb listings in Ireland located in rural destinations, we see first-hand the role it plays in supporting local communities.”
The Fund showcases the role of rural tourism in driving regional competitiveness, SME resilience, sustainability and community-led innovation - all themes of Ireland’s current Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Investment into these lesser-known destinations means communities that typically wouldn’t benefit from tourism footfall receive an economic lifeline.