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Tourism Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2010

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

Ceisteanna (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

47 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the extent to which she has met, had discussions with, or received submissions from the stakeholders in the tourism sector with particular reference to addressing the issues affecting the industry in the present economic downturn; the initiatives she has taken or proposes to take to address the matters arising; her plans to implement any positive or supportive initiatives in time for the oncoming tourism season; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20688/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

48 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport her views on whether the development of our tourism potential and the restoration of visitor numbers to the levels achieved in the recent past can contribute substantially to our economic recovery; and her proposals regarding same. [20450/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

182 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport her plans, if any, to assist the hotel and catering industries in the current economic downturn; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21052/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport if she has met with representatives of the tourism and catering sectors in the context of the need to stimulate that sector of the economy; if she intends to favourably respond to submissions she has received regarding same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21056/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport the specific action she has taken, if any, or proposes to take, to stimulate the hotel and catering sectors, thereby contributing to a revival of the tourist economy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21057/10]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 48, 182, 186 and 187 together.

Since my appointment as Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, I have met the Chairs and Chief Executives of the tourism agencies — Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Shannon Development. I have also met a broad selection of the main representative bodies in the tourism sector as well as a wide range of individuals at various official functions and events which I have attended since taking over the portfolio. I am, of course, always interested in hearing the views and opinions of the industry.

Tourism is a key driver of social and economic development at national and regional level. It plays a central role in creating a positive image of Ireland. I am determined to ensure that the important contribution of the tourism industry is widely recognised and that the tourism agenda is accommodated in all relevant policies and programmes.

2010 was always going to be a challenging year for tourism. The Government and its agencies are working extremely hard to tackle these challenges and maximise business for the Irish tourism industry.

The Tourism Renewal Group's Framework for Action forms the broad strategic basis on which Government is responding to the current difficulties.

Tourism is a key element of the Government's wider strategy for economic renewal and this is reflected in the 2010 Budget. The overall tourism services budget was increased by 3% from the 2009 outturn to over €153 million. Tourism has also been included in cross-cutting measures to support enterprises and jobs, including the Employment Subsidy Scheme and the Credit Review System. Additional specific measures, such as changes in alcohol excise duties and VAT and the innovative rail travel initiative for senior citizens will also help the sector.

To assist the tourism sector, an extensive range of marketing, product development, festival and sporting events, training and business supports are being put in place by the Tourism State Agencies under the Tourism Services budget of the Department.

In marketing the island of Ireland overseas, Tourism Ireland is focusing on major markets that are likely to deliver immediate returns including Great Britain, Germany and the US. Tourism Ireland is engaged in a huge tactical marketing programme, communicating strong reasons to visit together with clear, price-led messages focusing on the great value to be found here. Earlier this month, I launched a €20 million summer overseas marketing drive designed to win visitors for the peak season. It has been developed in partnership with hundreds of tourism businesses (including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, national cultural institutions, golf courses, independent visitor attractions and air and sea carriers) who have backed the campaign with a superb range of value-for-money offers.

On the domestic front, Fáilte Ireland has launched a brand new promotional campaign to encourage holidaying at home this year, with a budget of €4 million. Investment in business, sporting and cultural events is also being increased. Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are boosting promotion of business tourism in the build up to the opening, in September, of the new national conference centre in Dublin. This state-of-the-art facility, along with the new Aviva stadium, the O2 and Grand Canal Theatre venues and indeed developments at Thomond Park, will further enhance Ireland's capacity to attract international events.

Fáilte Ireland is also working closely with businesses all over Ireland to increase their customer base, better manage costs, improve overall performance and marketing and sustain employment levels. In 2010, Fáilte Ireland will be investing over €11 million in the form of direct supports and advice for tourism enterprises.

I believe that the Government is identifying the right programmes and measures to support the continued development of tourism. We are working with the industry and the tourism agencies in order to position the tourism sector for recovery and growth as part of the Government's wider strategy for economic renewal.

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