Bernard J. Durkan
Question:32 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his ambitions or proposals to further develop, extend or expand the tourism industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11112/03]
Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.
As a result of the investment in tourism product, marketing and training, by both the industry and the State over the past decade, in particular, the tourism industry has achieved the scale and status of a major player in the Irish economy. However, after the unprecedented growth of the 1990's, the industry, in 2001 and last year, experienced two relatively disappointing years, and the prospects for this year in some areas are uncertain. While international political and economic factors have contributed to recent difficulties, I believe that we have to see what we ourselves can do to improve our international competitiveness and deliver better value for money.
For this reason I set up, late last year, a tourism policy review group which has as its primary objective the identification of the key elements of a strategy for the further sustainable development of tourism in Ireland that will be both industry-led and Government-led. I expect the review group to make specific recommendations for action to give effect to that strategy when it presents its final report before the end of the summer. My ambition is that the outcome of the review, the first for ten years, will contribute to the development of an updated and dynamic pol icy orientation for the work of the new National Tourism Development Authority – Fáilte Ireland – as well as informing my tourism priorities and strategy for the years ahead. In the meantime, I will continue to do my utmost to support the industry in meeting the challenges in the market-place and returning to sustained growth.