Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Question:87. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Sustainable Tourism Policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52956/23]
View answerTuesday, 5 December 2023
Questions (87)
Written answers
The Programme for Government commits to the development of a new Sustainable Tourism Policy document and in advance of this, an interim action plan.
A report from the Sustainable Tourism Working Group which identifies actions to promote sustainable tourism practices was published in October 2021 and can be found at the following link:- www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/202152/72ba3db8-f793-49ee-9abd-74781575c5e2.pdf . The Report reiterated the need to develop a new national tourism policy which mainstreams sustainability.
In this regard, my Department is progressing with the development of a new national tourism policy framework that will seek to mainstream sustainability – environmental, economic and societal – across the entire tourism sector. The new framework will shape how our tourism industry develops in the period to 2030. While I want to see the tourism sector grow, I want it to do so in a manner that is consistent with our broader sustainability targets and ultimately ensures that Ireland will be a brand leader in sustainable tourism practices.
While initial consultations with key stakeholders were completed earlier this year, I will shortly launch a public consultation to give the public the chance to have their say. I hope to have the new policy framework itself finalised in the first quarter of next year.