Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2024
180. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline the measures that will be implemented by her Department and by the agencies under the remit of her Department to support the tourism sector in 2025, taking into account the increased costs that have incurred in recent years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45442/24]
View answerMy Department has recently published a new National Tourism Policy Framework for the period to 2030. The Framework mainstreams environmental, economic and societal sustainability across the entire tourism sector and aims to establish Ireland as a leading tourism destination, excelling in sustainable development practices that deliver better economic, social and environmental outcomes for all. The new Framework has policy objectives in relation to careers in tourism, innovation, product development, regionality, seasonality and the impact of broader Government decisions on the sector. The Policy Framework will ensure that tourism can grow in a sustainable manner and has a particular focus on growing tourism in less developed tourist areas.
In Budget 2025, I secured funding of €226.3 million to continue the support for tourism development at home and amongst overseas visitors; whilst supporting continued recovery in the sector. The once-off allocation in 2024 of current funding is now mainstreamed and will allow the tourism agencies to continue their valuable work in supporting the sector. The 2025 allocation of €226.3 million for tourism will allow Tourism Ireland to continue its major marketing campaigns overseas and facilitate Fáilte Ireland in continuing its work in areas such as destination development, tourism careers and home holiday promotion. It will also support both agencies in enhancing the tourist experience and supporting tourism businesses in Ireland in areas such as festivals, digital transformation and sustainability.
Budget 2025 includes a specific allocation of €3.2 million to extend the tourism season and ensure all regions of the country benefit, thus supporting tourism businesses. This includes funding for the delivery of Ireland’s Business Events Strategy; additional funding under the Regional Cooperative Access Scheme to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions and mitigate the risks associated with the Dublin airport cap and funding to support both tourism agencies to continue to develop and promote Ireland as the Home of Halloween.
2025 also sees a continuation of Government capital support for the development and enhancement of the tourism product. €36.5m in capital funding is allocated to Fáilte Ireland to continue its work in this area.
