In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around enhancing local tourism through strategic partnerships and innovative event planning. Notably, officials highlighted the potential collaboration with Air Mingus, the airline that recently announced a new flight route from Ireland. This partnership aims to promote the upcoming Irish festival, scheduled just two weeks before the inaugural flight, with hopes of attracting more visitors to the area.

The festival organizers expressed a desire to expand the event from a single day to a two or even three-day celebration, incorporating activities such as Irish dance, music, and language classes. This expansion is seen as crucial for boosting hotel occupancy, as one-day events typically do not generate sufficient overnight stays.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the growing trend of \"dark tourism,\" which involves visits to sites associated with death, crime, and the supernatural. Officials noted that this niche market is gaining traction, with increasing interest in cemetery tours and historical crime locations. The discussion included references to local attractions, such as the Scott County Jail, which could serve as a focal point for dark tourism initiatives.

Overall, the meeting underscored a proactive approach to tourism development, with an emphasis on leveraging new airline routes and exploring diverse visitor interests to enhance the local economy.