AOIFE Annual Conference 2003 Geraldine Jeffers Festivals and Cultural Events Officer Fáilte Ireland

Who is Fáilte Ireland? National Tourism Development Authority formally established in May Responsible for administering the functions of Bord Fáilte and CERT by working in partnership with the tourism industry.

What can Fáilte Ireland do for me? Administers the Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative. Promote Festivals/Events through their website Produce Calendar of Events – distributed internationally through Tourism Ireland and within Ireland through the Regional Tourism Authorities/Shannon Development. Publicity – support visits by overseas media. Photoshoots – producing and providing video footage and still photography to support overseas marketing.

Festivals and Cultural Events Initiative Announced in December 2001, the scheme is envisaged to be in place for a period of five years (2002 – 2006). Main objectives: –To promote existing and new festivals and cultural events throughout the regions. –To support activity in the tourist economy and favour events which generate most bednights and related businesses. –To impact positively on seasonality. –To emphasise events with international market impact.

How do I apply? Applications invited once a year in October Application forms are available on and or by ing or In writing to Failte Ireland, Baggot Street Bridge, Dublin 2.

Who will evaluate my application? Applications seeking funding up to 10,000 are evaluated by the Regional Tourism Authority/Shannon Development. All other applications are evaluated by Fáilte Ireland.

How is my application assessed? All applications should be accompanied by the relevant documentation and a fully completed application form. The following events get priority: –Events taking place outside the peak season. –Locations where there is sufficient available approved accommodation. –Events which generate significant staying visitor traffic –BMW Regions. –Level of overseas interest and potential to attract overseas visitors.

What exactly can be funded? Primarily a marketing fund, funding incremental marketing activities, e.g.: –Advertising –Print, Design & Distribution –Website –Promotions –Direct Mail Other activities which have a long term impact on the festival e.g. Business Plan, Marketing Plan, Audience Survey etc. Only a percentage of expenditure on eligible activities is funded under this Initiative.

2004 Applications Advertisements in the Irish Times, Irish Independent & Irish Examiner on Friday 31, October Closing date for receipt of completed applications is: 28 November 2003.

How do I avail of the other services? Website – all events notified to Fáilte Ireland will be included on the site. Calendar of Events – all larger events are included. The 2004 publication will be available in December Publicity – prior notice of your event is required in order to gain maximum publicity, this is done in consultation with the Fáilte Ireland Publicity Department. Photoshoots – Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland undertake photoshoots in different parts of the county on an annual basis.