Sir, – Your article (‘Economically it probably would make sense to close’: Clifden businesses prepare for barren winter, October 24th) highlighted genuine challenges facing seasonal tourism destinations. However, the bleak headline and imagery were at odds with the resilience and enterprise expressed by local businesses.
Seasonality is normal worldwide. While some businesses close or reduce hours, many remain open year-round.
Businesses are investing considerable effort and expense in attracting visitors, supported by Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and regional tourism networks.
The timing was particularly unfortunate. Published over the October Bank Holiday weekend, when Clifden was bustling despite stormy weather, it risked discouraging visitors planning their next getaway.
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At Connemara Chamber, we recognise the challenges of seasonality and sustaining employment.
The real story is not that Clifden is closing for the winter, but that its businesses and community work extraordinarily hard to ensure it doesn’t. That is a story worthy of a headline too. -Yours, etc,
Simon Ashe,
President,
Connemara Chamber,
Galway
