Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2013
62. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he has taken to conduct a review of tourism policy; the specific areas the review will focus on; if he will outline its key aims and objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22853/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, commencing a review of tourism policy is one of my Departmental Priorities for 2013. In this regard, I intend to publish a consultation document this summer to seek the views of all interested stakeholders and consumers.
Following the review, involving a period of analysis and consultation, I plan to issue a specific, overarching tourism policy statement to provide the necessary direction to support a competitive and sustainable tourism industry and give clear direction to the tourism agencies for carrying out their specific operational programmes.
The policy statement will take account of the many factors likely to impact on Irish tourism. These will include expected developments in international economic and trading conditions and growth prospects for international passenger transportation and global tourism. The new tourism policy will also take account of current and medium-term prospects for the national economy. In the context of limited resources, the targeting of financial support only at the highest priorities may require difficult choices.
I want to ensure that the tourism policy is robust, well-founded and workable and has the broad support of key stakeholders, including the Tourism industry. This will ensure that it provides the best framework to support and enhance the competitiveness and strength of the Irish tourist industry into the future. To this end, in the review of tourism policy I want to secure the views of stakeholders both inside and outside the tourism industry, in Government and elsewhere. The consultation document that I will publish this summer will facilitate all relevant parties in engaging meaningfully with the review. I believe that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications, which covers tourism, could also have an important role in the consultation process. I would also welcome any contribution from the Deputy or their party to the consultation process as well.
The submissions received in response to our consultation exercise will inform my final statement of tourism policy. This will then provide a robust foundation for the subsequent development of a broader tourism strategy and action plan.
