Building on the significant recent success of the partnership approach of the three agencies to events such as The Gathering, and in particular Rebel Week in 2013, the securing of the Irish Open for Cork at Fota Island earlier this year and MTV Crashes Cork later this month, the Group will be charged with delivering a realisable but challenging strategy which will aim to maximise the economic return from tourism to Cork - in terms of overseas visitor numbers, revenues and employment.
Both Cork County and City Councils are already leaders in the development of Corks tourism product and in marketing Cork abroad. Their role as leaders of tourism development for their region is now strongly recognised in new national policy for Local Government and in the Governments Tourism  policy.
The Tourism Strategy Group will be charged over a six month period with not only the development of the Strategy but also the development of the supporting Action Plans to ensure the strategy will be delivered.  A similar approach to the development of a growth strategy for tourism was pursued by Failte Ireland in conjunction with the four Dublin local authorities earlier this year.
Cork is uniquely positioned within the country as the natural international and local gateway point for visitors to the South West and South East. This, coupled with its array of assets including Cork Harbour and the City, the unique variety of visitor attractions and activities across West, North and East Cork, its business tourism strength and its location at the start/finish of the Wild Atlantic Way makes it a location of international appeal. Thus, the Tourism Strategy Group will have excellent  assets to drive its strategic vision and action plan.
The Chief Executive Cork County Council, Tim Lucey emphasised :
"This is a significant advancement arising from commentary on the need for a strategic tourism strategy for Cork as a whole at the recent Global Cork Economic Forum. The strength and appeal of the Cork tourism offering is significant and with a renewed focus can offer opportunity for growth in Cork considering the potential of tourism as a major driver of  economic recovery".
Ann Doherty, CEO of Cork City Council, concurred and explained the importance of the new initiative:
"This approach to the strategic development of tourism in Cork is timely and merited. It will deliver an exciting and challenging programme of projects and actions which, in conjunction with all tourism stakeholders, will enhance  the appeal of the Cork for visitors and will also be the coherent base from which Cork can attract investment".
Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, Shaun Quinn added:
"As we have seen in many initiatives previously, tourism can only really fulfil its true potential when all the key players come together and work together. I am confident that Cork will benefit significantly from the establishment of this group and we, in Fáilte Ireland, are happy to work with the local authorities on this development." 
Details of the membership of the Tourism Strategy Group will be announced later and its work will be complete by mid 2015.