Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2010
94 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the number of closures of travel agent and tour operator businesses and of the implications that this has for inward tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47644/09]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully aware of the negative impact that the difficult economic situation is having on the travel trade sector and I am closely monitoring developments, particularly in relation to the aviation sector. 2009 was an exceptionally difficult year and the demand for air travel fell dramatically due to the global recession; however there is evidence across Europe that the decline in passenger numbers has stabilized. I understand that since the beginning of 2008 a total of 26 travel agents/tour operators have collapsed. While the closure of travel agents will primarily affect the outbound market from Ireland, anything that impacts on access capacity into Ireland could have a negative impact on inward tourism.
Tourism Ireland is the body responsible for the overseas marketing of Ireland as a tourist destination. My colleague Martin Cullen, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism launched Tourism Ireland's 2010 Marketing Campaign last December. This is designed to ensure that the number of visitors coming to Ireland will return to growth in 2010. The Tourism Marketing Fund has a provision of €44.25m for 2010. This will enable the level and value of investment in overseas marketing of Ireland to be maintained in real terms as recommended in the report of the Tourism Renewal Group. A key focus of Tourism Ireland's strategy to restore overseas tourism to growth in 2010 will be on re-engaging with the travel trade including tour operators and travel agents, in overseas markets and on increasing the participation of island of Ireland industry members in overseas promotional opportunities.
My Department is liaising with the Department of Arts Sport and Tourism in the context of implementing a recommendation concerning enhanced air access, contained in the Report of the Tourism Renewal Group. While the wider air transport industry continues to face significant challenges in the coming year, the Government will continue to support the development of an innovation-friendly, pro-competition regulatory framework for aviation. To that end my Department is currently engaged in measures to enhance our bilateral relations with emerging markets such as India and China in support of the Government's Asia strategy.
