Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2015
606. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work undertaken to date by his Department and the challenges faced in implementing the new tourism strategy for counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2638/15]
View answerA review of tourism policy began in 2013, to look at all aspects of Irish tourism. A consultation paper was published and stakeholders were invited to submit their views. In order to further facilitate the tourism sector, a number of regional seminars with key stakeholders (including one seminar in Athlone) were held from October to December 2013.
A first Draft of a Tourism Policy Statement was published in July 2014, which provided an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to provide feedback on the initial text. Over 70 responses were received in response to the Draft Tourism Policy Statement.
The finalised Tourism Policy Statement – “People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025” was approved by Cabinet last week and I will publish it in the coming weeks.
The key headline goals in the Tourism Policy Statement are that, by 2025:
- revenue from overseas tourism, excluding carrier receipts (air fares and ferry charges) will be €5 billion per year (at 2014 prices i.e. adjusted for inflation between now and 2025). The comparable figure for 2013 is €3.3 billion;
- employment in tourism will reach 250,000 (approximately 200,000 at present); and
- there will be ten million overseas visits to Ireland annually by 2025 (compared to an estimated 7.3 million in 2014).
The Tourism Policy Statement sets out key policy objectives under a range of headings, including a central role in tourism for Local Authorities and communities, which will enable areas like Longford and Westmeath to achieve their full tourism potential.
A series of Tourism Action Plans, the first of which will cover the period 2015-2018, will be prepared to set out specific actions that will be required to achieve the policy objectives and headline goals.
Furthermore, as the Deputy will be aware, operational responsibility for development of tourism in individual regions is a matter for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have also referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
