David Andrews
Question:11 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he will establish a tourist charter setting out the rights of incoming tourists. [10938/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Charter.
Given tourism's growing status internally as a major form of internationally-traded service, it can reasonably be said that the rights and obligations of tourists as a collective body of users are still evolving. I am not aware that there is any widespread development or use of tourist charters or, specifically, any particular demand for one here. That said, I am not opposed to the idea in principle, but I would require a lot more substance both as to the need for and value of a charter before I could consider introducing one here.
Tourists generally benefit from advances made under consumer legislation in recent years and this situation will be further clarified and strengthened with the implementation later this month by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications, of the EC Directive on Package Travel. This will offer the tourist greater protection against non-performance of contract for package holidays, incorporating transport, accommodation, etc.
Bord Fáilte, through its offices and the regional tourist organisations, monitors complaints from tourists. The number of complaints made, bearing in mind the number of tourists who visit Ireland, is very small. Less than 2,000 complaints from our 3.6 million overseas and domestic tourists were made in 1994. Accordingly, I do not believe there is a demonstrated need at this point to consider establishing a charter.
Will the Minister give the matter a preliminary examination? Having regard to what he said about existing legislation, the main reason I tabled the question is to introduce quality, confidence and uniformity of treatment for tourists. I categorise visitors from outside our shores as tourists, but there are tourists within the country who would like a charter of rights across a broad spectrum. I imagine such a charter could be contained in a small pamphlet and in those circumstances it would not be too difficult for the Minister's Department and the tourism organisations to produce it as a matter of urgency.
I am not opposed, in principle, to the issue of a charter for tourists within and outside our country. If such a charter were introduced it would have to be effective, not a public relations exercise. Given the disparate nature and extent of our tourism industry, such a charter would be difficult and costly to organise. The number of complaints lodged by visitors during the period 1990 to 1994 across a range of areas, including hotels, guesthouses, holiday camps, caravan parks, car hire, cruises, etc. has consistently fallen, with few exceptions. Our visitors deserve quality in all aspects of the tourism industry from services and facilities to providing a reasonable level of comfort. That message is getting across and those involved in this rapidly growing industry understand that they should provide high quality and standards. I am not opposed to it in principle, but there are many more pressing matters that the Deputy and I should deal with prior to the establishment of such a charter. If we demonstrate quality there will not be any need for a charter.