Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2015
12. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will encourage further future growth and development in the tourism sector, particularly to ensure the maximum utilisation of its employment potential; if he will utilise air and sea travel in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44988/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTourism continues to contribute significantly to Ireland's economic recovery. CSO figures for the first ten months of 2015 show that there were over 7.4 million overseas visits to Ireland, an increase of 12.8% on the same period of 2014. With regard to revenue, the most recent CSO Quarterly Tourism and Travel publication shows that spending in Ireland by overseas visitors (excluding carrier receipts) in the first nine months of 2015 amounted to over €3.3 billion, an increase of 17.5% compared to the same period in 2014. The indications are that 2015 will break all previous records in terms of our overseas tourism performance.
Tourism Ireland's targets for 2016 are to grow overseas visit numbers by a further 4%, and grow the associated revenue by 5%. The longer-term tourism goals, as outlined in the Government's Tourism Policy Statement are that by 2025: revenue from overseas visitors will increase to €5 billion, net of inflation; we would have 10 million visits to Ireland annually; and employment in the tourism sector would reach 250,000 compared to 205,000 at present.
In July, I established a Tourism Leadership Group to put in place a Tourism Action Plan that will set out the measures required in the period up to 2018 so that the overall objectives in the Tourism Policy Statement can be achieved. This Action Plan will be published early in the new year.
In terms of access, as an island destination, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to achieving tourism growth. The zero rate travel tax has seen a very positive response from the airlines with many new routes and increased services coming on stream. I would also acknowledge the important connectivity role played by sea carriers, particularly in relation to holiday visitors from Great Britain and Mainland Europe. I should also mention that I recently announced a €1 million funding allocation to support co-operative marketing activity to regional access points which is designed to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing air and ferry services to the regions.
