Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
202. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Make 2023 the Year of the Invitation initiative that was outlined in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27674/22]
View answerWhilst the tourism sector is still navigating the survival stage of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is also important that we plan for recovery and rebuilding in the tourism sector. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to seek to emulate the success of the Gathering by creating a similar themed year. Similarly, the Tourism Recovery Plan 2020-2023 includes a recommendation to develop a Global Invitation programme. There is no doubt that a project of this nature will provide a much needed boost in overseas visitors and strong reconnections with diaspora groups.
€5 million in additional funding has been secured in Budget 2022 to begin preparations for a themed project aimed at attracting overseas visitors to Ireland to celebrate our authentic arts, culture and heritage. This project will provide an excellent opportunity to aid the recovery in multiple sectors that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
This Programme for Government commitment provides a unique opportunity to deepen the connections with the Irish diaspora and showcase our natural landscape and historic and cultural assets while building on what makes Ireland unique; our welcome and our people. To that end, my officials, in consultation with the tourism agencies, have begun the conceptual development process and consideration is also being given as to the most opportune time for delivery to ensure that this initiative will help to galvanise the tourism response overseas, accelerate recovery and boost resilience in the sector.
