Historical background
Tourism is a key sector contributing to the economic viability of our rural economy here in County Leitrim. In County Leitrim we are more dependent economically on tourism than many other counties or regions in Ireland. Leitrim offers a unique, unspoilt, rural escape for the visitor and tourist. With a low population base, an unspoilt natural environment and geographic location close to the border with Northern Ireland, the Network considers that tourism is a key element of regeneration for County Leitrim. It is important that we capitalise on this as much as possible, by working together we aim to create a critical mass of tourism providers to help promote Leitrim.
Background to Leitrim Tourism Network
Leitrim Tourism Network was formed in Sep 2013. It is Leitrim Tourism Business owners who are working together to support and develop tourism in County Leitrim and working in conjunction with Leitrim County Council, Leitrim Development Company, Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and tourism organisations in nearby counties. The members so far include; transport companies, accommodation, arts and crafts people, activities, attractions and community and cross community groups. The network believes that economic and social development is a joint effort between the private and public sectors working in partnership with the community. With a low population base, an unspoilt natural environment and geographic location close to the border with Northern Ireland, the Network considers that tourism is a key element of regeneration for County Leitrim in particular. The Leitrim Tourism Network is a hugely dynamic group of people whose common aim is to improve the economic, social and cultural development of the county for its residents and visitors alike.
This is a ‘regeneration’ plan the county developed by people living and working in the county with sustainability and long term development at its core. The network represents a strong independent voice for tourism providers in County Leitrim. The network is based on trust, commitment, co-operation, information sharing and communication. The network hopes to overcome limited resources in regard to knowledge and innovation while becoming one voice for tourism providers in the county, which will feed into the Leitrim Tourism Growth Alliance, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland Leitrim County Council, Leitrim Development Company, the Recreation Forum. LCDC, the Public Participation Network at both a strategic and action/project level.
Vision
Leitrim is an unspoilt, authentic, welcoming, people-friendly destination. Leitrim provides an experience of life in rural Ireland that is stress-free, relaxed, sustainable and with an accessible environment. Those who visit Leitrim can explore the unique terrain, from the magnificent Atlantic, to the Lakelands and through the rugged Glens where they can immerse themselves in the rich culture, food, heritage and creativity. Leitrim is Alive, Ready and Waiting for You.
Mission
Leitrim Tourism Network (LTN) will promote market and sell Leitrim to domestic and international visitors, and educate stakeholders, as a destination that is unspoilt, authentic, welcoming and people-friendly. LTN is promoting this concept nationally and internationally.
LTN wishes to show Irish culture at its best through an inclusive arts, crafts, music, tourism and local business experience, all on one route. Leitrim Tourism Network, in association with relevant stakeholders, will develop and sell Leitrim as a sustainable tourism destination
Legal Structure
Leitrim Tourism Network has, within its structure, a Limited Company “Leitrim Network Limited”. The Business name is “Leitrim Tourism Network”
This structure is solely for the purpose of accessing funding and complying with legal requirements where necessary.
Management and organisation
The management (Directors) of Leitrim Tourism Network Ltd consists of the following roles;
- Chair
- Vice-chair
- General Admin and memberships
- Finance and membership administration
- Marketing and Public Relations
The roles and responsibility of the management is defined within job descriptions.
The management can appoint specific working groups around defined projects or activities.
A change in management (vacancy) can be temporarily filled by an Ad Interim position. A new appointment by recommendation of the management can only be enforced on voting majority within the Annual General Meeting where at minimum 50% of the members are present.
Management meetings
- The Chairperson facilitates the meetings
- The Network secretary sets the agenda and sends out a notice of the meeting in advance.
- The Network secretary takes minutes and agrees agenda and date for next meeting. This is sent to Leitrim Development Company and sent out to the Admin Network database
- The Network meets once per month for two hours
- The purpose (agenda) of the Management meeting is to:
- Ensure clear action plans, priorities and progress on actions through the year
- Ensure that working groups, made up of members (and co-opted expertise if necessary)
- That there is an annual review in April of each year, which looks at progress on Strategic
- That a new Chairperson is agreed annually / bi-annually are identified to carry out actions and report back to full Network meeting Plan, and identifies priority actions and working groups for the coming year
Monthly Network meetings (operational)
-
- The Chairperson facilitates the meetings
- The Network secretary makes the agenda and send out a reminder of the meeting in advance. The Network secretary takes minutes and agrees agenda and date for next meeting. This is sent to Leitrim Development Company and sent out to the Admin Network database
- The Network meets once per month for two hours except during the busy tourism season
- The meeting usually includes a speaker (internal or external), discusses the on-going business of the Network, progress on initiatives, projects on goals and supports information exchange and support between members.
- Meeting locations are moved around the county, to facilitate the meeting and allow members to see different parts of the county and providers
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Network (review and planning)
- The Chairperson facilitates the meetings
- Meeting is held in April (after the December management meeting)
- The Network secretary makes the agenda and sends out a reminder of the meeting in advance.
- The Network secretary takes minutes and agrees agenda and date for next meeting. This is sent to Leitrim Development Company and sent out to the Admin Network database
- The purpose (agenda) of the AGM is:
- Approval (*): Management enforcement (incl. changes)
- Sharing: Membership development
- Sharing and approval (*): Finance (look back and forward)
- Sharing: Marketing and Network visibility
- Sharing: Plans, initiatives and Goals (look back)
- Sharing and Approval (*): Proposed plans, initiatives and goals (look forward)
(*)Approval: by majority of voters where at minimum 50% of the members are present.
Goals and plans
With support of the Leitrim Tourism Network members, the management will develop an annual plan with proposed projects, goals and activities. This plan contributes to the strategic goals and objectives of the Network group and includes the necessary related resources and timing.
Progress on this will be discussed in the Monthly or bi/monthly network meetings. A review (look back) and also approval of new goals and objectives is discussed and approved in the end of year Network meeting.
Membership
Who can be a network member
Membership of the network is made up of tourism providers and community groups interested in tourism and tourism related activities throughout County Leitrim. It represents all sectors within the tourism industry in the county. The Network is run on a voluntary basis and is an active network of like-minded tourism businesses and individuals. Members represent all sectors of tourism in the county including B&B’s, Hotels, Self-Catering, Camping, Activity Providers, Arts & Craft, Food, Transport providers, Festivals, Attractions, Heritage and Community representatives.
Process to become a Network member
In order to become a network member, a membership application form needs to be completed. Next to this, a yearly membership contribution needs to be paid (cheque or by electronic payment).
Membership and contribution
A Network membership goes together with a fixed yearly financial contribution. The value of this contribution is defined and approved in the joint AGM.
The financial contribution is related to a full year membership starting from January 1st to December 31st of that year. All members get a unique membership number (LTN#) and membership card.
Membership Incentives and Advantages
Membership of the Leitrim Tourism Network brings the following benefits and incentives;
1. Marketing opportunities through the Leitrim Network developed social media sites
2. Discounts on collective services and product agreements (eg. Insurance, energy, consultancy, accountancy and other services and product providers)
3. Various training opportunities on social media, marketing, etc.
4. The use of the Leitrim Tourism Network customer database for marketing and promotional purposes.
5. Increased visibility of member business via Leitrim Tourism Network’s participation at various events and festivals.
6. Increased visibility of member business via the Leitrim Tourism Network stakeholder groups
7. Increased visibility of member business via the Leitrim Tourism Network website
8. Peer marketing (networking in the network).
9. Key/ guest speakers during network meetings.
Membership Obligations
The following is expected from a member of the Leitrim Tourism Network
- A positive and constructive communication (marketing) around the Leitrim Tourism networkand its activities.
- An active participation (where possible) to initiatives undertaken by the Network.
- An active participation within the Network meetings (monthly and yearly).
- Active communication on changing (should this be exchanging?) contact information(websites, email and phone numbers).
Termination of membership
At all times, a member can terminate its membership. A termination of membership needs to be sent in writing to the Network management. No refund of contribution will be granted.
Financial model
Leitrim Tourism Network Ltd is a non-profit organisation. The costs related to its organisation, mission, goals and other initiatives are covered by the contribution of its members. Where possible, the Network will pursue additional funding from grants, donations and fundraising initiatives (mainly project related).
Contribution
The membership contribution is defined every year and approved at the AGM. The justification is based on a financial plan with estimated (project and running) costs and estimated revenues from contributions and other means.
Financial system
It is the obligation of the Network to be transparent on the financial aspects of the network. A suitable financial management system is applied in order to manage all financial (day to day) aspects and also to be able to provide accurate and reliable information to its members and auditors.
Authorisation of Network spending
The following is agreed on authorisation of spend;
- All spend is justified by an invoice or written justification
- All spend up to 100 Euro can be approved (upfront) by the network secretary
- All spend exceeding 100 Euro needs to be approved in writing by the Network treasurer.
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Website, Twitter, Facebook communication and other
The network will develop and maintain the appropriate social media tools to promote its vision and mission. Also this tool will be used to increase visibility on the network’s own activities and initiatives and also actively promote the activities and initiatives of its members.