David Andrews
Question:1 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the measures, if any, he proposes to introduce to encourage Irish residents to holiday in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2406/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Domestic Tourism Marketing.
Domestic tourism plays a vital role in the tourist industry. The revenue generated by Irish tourists is widely distributed throughout the country and often provides the additional business which determines the profitability of many tourism enterprises. The domestic market has been performing particularly well in recent years with strong growth evident in short holiday taking particularly in the off-season. Domestic business in 1993 yielded revenue of £642 million or some 32 per cent of total tourism revenue.
The expansion and improvement in the range and quality of tourist facilities over the past six years through investment, estimated at £900 million, has added a dynamic new dimension to Ireland as a tourist centre by improving the range, quality and attractiveness of the product. It has not only opened up further opportunities to increase our market share internationally but has contributed extensively to the growing demand for home holidays.
We are now embarking on an even more ambitious period for the development of the home market. It is proposed to continue to develop our tourism infrastructure and to sustain the environmental and cultural distinctiveness which forms the basis of our existing industry. Time of year is no longer a constraint for Irish holiday taking because of new and improved holiday products and facilities and major emphasis will be placed on developing shoulder and off-season business.
In view of the importance of domestic tourism to the well-being and further development of the industry as a whole, I have asked the Minister of State at my Department, Deputy O'Sullivan, to assume special responsibility for domestic tourism marketing. The Minister of State's role in this area will include working closely with Bord Fáilte, Shannon Development and the industry to ensure that tourism will continue to be promoted successfully in the domestic market and that more people are encouraged to holiday at home.
I wish Deputy Andrews well as Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Tourism and Trade.
I wish to return the compliment to the Minister. I have known his family for many years and he has the capacity and integrity to serve as a Minister.
Question Time is like the calm after the storm. I am very sorry that matters reached the stage where Deputy Hogan had to resign as Minister of State. It is a terrible thing to happen to a Member of this House and I do not welcome it either on a personal or party basis. I wish Deputy Hogan well in the future.
In regard to the special responsibilites given to his Minister of State for domestic tourism marketing, will the Minister outline the precise functions of his Minister of State? The Minister said that the Minister of State will work with Bord Fáilte and Shannon Development to promote Irish tourism. Will he also ask him to look North in doing this? A number of questions on this issue are on today's Order Paper. Will the Minister consider giving tax relief to people who holiday at home, thus giving people a real incentive to holiday in Ireland?
I thank the Deputy for his kind words. The Minister of State has been assigned special responsibility for domestic tourism. This will involve him in discussions with national and regional tourism organisations to motivate people to holiday at home. So far as the six Northern countries are concerned, this is a matter with which I will be dealing. The Minister of State will have ongoing contact in respect of cross-Border developments.
The issue of a tax concession for those who holiday at home is a matter for the Minister for Finance. As we approach the new millennium we will be trying to ensure that a top quality tourism product will be available for all holiday makers and, given the level of competition within the industry, that those who decide to holiday at home will get value for money. In 1991 revenue from domestic tourism amounted to £514.6 million, a significant amount.
The Minister of State will deal exclusively with the domestic market although he will have contract in respect of cross-Border developments. I will be dealing with my counterpart in Northern Ireland on an ongoing basis while the question of a tax incentive is a matter for the Minister for Finance. I will bring it to his attention.
This is a matter that should be examined seriously. I agree with the Minister that in many instances the holidays on offer in this country are nonpareil. The hotel industry and the tourism organisation are to be congratulated on making a genuine effort to market Ireland as an attractive location. The Minister should however pursue this issue of a tax incentive with the Minister for Finance as a matter of urgency. In that regard I am glad he has included a number of tourist resorts in a pilot scheme; this constitutes an urban tax relief. He could add another string to his bow by asking the Minister for Finance to consider this initiative in next year's budget.
The Deputy was never slow off the mark. The budget announced yesterday has had some unfortunate consequences today. I will take up the Deputy's suggestion with the Minister for Finance in good time.
Does the Minister agree that people are entitled to expect the accommodation and services on offer to be of a uniformly high standard and that it is in the interest of the tourism industry that this be the case? Would he consider establishing a body, if necessary on a statutory basis, to monitor and enforce standards?
I agree with the Deputy that those who holiday in this country are entitled to expect the services on offer to be of the highest standard. This point is emphasised constantly by tour operators and the industry in general. There have been disparities during the years. I intend during my term as Minister for Tourism and Trade to emphasise the need to raise standards as we approach the new millennium.
Standards and value for money.