Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which targets in respect of tourism growth have been revised upward following the success of The Gathering in 2013; the extent to which it is expected the industry can generate economic activity and contribute to economic recovery in 2014; if any new initiatives are likely to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7674/14]
View answerFigures published recently by the CSO show that 2013 was an excellent year for Irish tourism with the total number of overseas visits growing by 7.2%. All of our main markets grew compared to 2012 and we enjoyed our highest ever number of visits from North America. Part of the success last year was certainly related to The Gathering with research suggesting that in the region of 250,000 of the additional visitors travelled to Ireland because of the initiative.
In terms of targets for 2014, the approved Tourism Ireland Business Plan for 2014 contains a target of growing visit numbers to Ireland by a further 4% this year and growing the associated revenue from these overseas visits by 7%. As part of its actions to reach this target, Tourism Ireland will be undertaking extensive marketing campaigns throughout 2014. Priority overseas markets will again be the United States, Great Britain, Germany and France, which together deliver almost three-quarters of all our overseas visitors but promotions will also continue in other markets across the world. Furthermore, I am confident that measures such as the retention of the lower VAT rate for tourism services, the reduction of the air travel tax to zero from April and the increased air access to Ireland will also help to ensure that the targets are met.
In terms of new initiatives, Tourism Ireland, working closely with Fáilte Ireland, is placing a major focus on highlighting the Wild Atlantic Way, for car touring and other forms of holiday. It will also promote key events, including the visit of the Giro d’Italia cycle race, and the Croke Park Classic American football game, to encourage visits to Ireland.
More generally, my Department is currently undertaking a review of Tourism Policy. The review is looking at all aspects of Irish tourism and a detailed analysis of all responses to the public consultation process is underway. Once the final tourism policy has been set, it is intended it will provide a robust foundation for a broader tourism strategy and action plan. I hope to have the policy document finalised by Easter.
