Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2017
351. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional resources will be allocated to the State's tourism promotion agencies in view of Brexit and the importance of the British market for Irish tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12734/17]
View answer353. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if additional resources will be allocated to the tourism promotion agencies to initiate new marketing measures specifically for the Border region in view of the fact there is a heavy reliance in this area on the British tourism market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12736/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 351 and 353 together.
In common with the rest of Government there has been deep analysis of the challenges which tourism faces because of the outcome of the UK Referendum. Even prior to the referendum result, there was a commitment in the Government's Tourism Policy Statement "People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025" to prioritising tourism marketing efforts towards those markets providing higher revenue returns. The Programme for Government commits to implementing the policy objectives in the policy statement and achieving the targets for Irish tourism contained therein. The UK vote does not change this.
A key element of Tourism Ireland's strategy since 2014 has been market diversification. In 2017, Tourism Ireland will continue to implement its market diversification strategy and intends to maximise holiday revenue through investment in Mainland Europe and North America. In addition the depreciation of sterling against the euro since the UK referendum means that value for money will be a key message for Tourism Ireland in Britain this year. Looking to the medium term, Tourism Ireland's plan for the period from 2017-2019 includes the agency's response to marketing Ireland in Great Britain in the new situation that has developed following the referendum.
I should also highlight that I am aware of the challenges faced by the border region which were confirmed when Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan and I hosted an All-Island Dialogue on the impact of Brexit on the tourism and hospitality sector in Dundalk on 23 January. The feedback from tourism industry participants at the event reaffirmed the Government's analysis in relation to the implications of Brexit for tourism and I am committed to an ongoing dialogue with the tourism and hospitality industry as the Brexit negotiations proceed.
