The Value Waterford initiative launched on Friday afternoon last in the City Centre is one of the most exciting ventures ever launched in recent years. It involves the combined efforts of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Waterford City Council and reflects a determination that the economic blows suffered in Waterford in recent times are not going to engender a dispirited attitude into the community. It is the first real sign that the community is fighting back to climb out of the economic morass it finds itself.

One of the most pleasing things about the Value Waterford initiative is the huge amount of local businesses involved. This is the clearest evidence yet that business in Waterford are prepared to fight for their business and their community. The marketing of the Value Waterford initiative is crucial to its success and the local media are prepared to back it 100%.

With the closure of Waterford Crystal the numbers of visitors to Waterford are showing a decline though the showrooms are still open for business. This huge tourism attraction brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to Waterford, and was one of the top draws in the country. The plans for Waterford Crystal by KPS are still not clear but it is to be hoped that the tourist trail which was an integral and essential part of the tourists visit to Waterford Crystal will be relaunched.

A recent vox pop taken on national radio with tourists into the country revealed that one of the greatest attractions that entice them to Ireland is the friendly and gregarious nature of the native Irish. Our welcoming and friendly disposition seemed to take a back seat in recent years as we were all consumed with acquiring material wealth. This had a knock-on effect on our usual outgoing and sunny disposition which in turn reflected itself in a less than hospitable attitude and tolerance to the tourists passing through our land. This has now been recognised and tourism interests are exhorting everyone to go that extra mile in helping out tourists with advice, local knowledge and more importantly, a friendly attitude. While it is true that a picture is worth more than a 1,000 words, a smile on a persons face is also a very welcome sight to behold.

There are many people working valiantly, many in a voluntary capacity to stimulate the economic revival of their local communities. Whether it is the Spraoi weekend just recently passed, or the Dunmore East Food Festival or the many other smaller festivals run throughout the county, all play a part in making the tourist welcome and aware of the many attractions the county has to offer. The music in our various hotels, pubs and lounge bars is another factor cited by visitors as part of the draw Ireland has for them. We are fortunate in Waterford that we have an amazing array of talented musicians across the spectrum, and some of the finest traditional singers and musicians to be found countrywide.

The launch of the Value Waterford initiative offering as it does a huge range of discount offers will be available and booklet and map accompanying it is sure to resonate very well with visitors and local alike. Credit is due to all concerned for a brilliant initiative.