Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2017
690. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on remarks made by a person (details supplied) that Dublin is a rip off and that Ireland's image has been tarnished; his plans to counter such views internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32697/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government strongly supports Irish tourism, recognising it as a key sector in Ireland's economic recovery. The combined efforts of Government, the tourism agencies and the industry are proving very successful and it is very satisfying to see the growth in tourist numbers, revenue and jobs that have come about over the last few years as a result.
Whilst I was disappointed to hear of the views referred to by the Deputy, the fact is that the vast majority of visitors to this country do not share those views. The very positive results of Fáilte Ireland's Overseas Holidaymakers' Attitudes Survey 2016 affirm this. According to this broad survey of holidaymakers, overall satisfaction ratings are very positive. Almost two-thirds of respondents felt their expectations of an Irish holiday had been met, whereas a further one-third stated that their Irish holiday had exceeded their expectations. With specific regard to our value for money ratings, just short of two-thirds of overseas visitors surveyed said they had found 'good' or 'very good' value here.
Assisted by a range of Government measures to enhance tourism competitiveness, such as the lower VAT rate and the zero-rating of the Air Travel Tax, combined with strong annual Exchequer investment in the sector through the tourism agencies, we have worked hard to regain our reputation internationally as a good quality, good value holiday destination. Key public investments, like the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East and Dublin – A Breath of Fresh Air, are also assisting competitiveness by providing a better tourism experience for visitors.
Nonetheless, the remarks certainly reinforce the importance of safeguarding this reputation and the critical need to maintain our competitiveness and value for money. I am concerned that rising accommodation prices - in Dublin or elsewhere - risk damaging the gains we have made in recent years to the long-term detriment of our tourist industry and the overall economy. This is exacerbated by recent currency movements, particularly Sterling versus the Euro, that further threaten our competitiveness in key markets. I would, therefore, urge the industry not to be complacent and to keep a sharp focus on pricing, value for money and overall competitiveness.
I am aware that Tourism Ireland, in devising its marketing campaigns, are conscious that competitiveness and the value for money message are more important than ever this year, particularly in Britian. It is also undertaking an expanded partnership programme with airlines, ferry operators and tour operators, communicating a strong price-led message to drive home value for money.
Having restored Ireland's competitiveness and regained trust internationally as a good value destination, the challenge now is to continue to offer quality, good value, memorable hospitality to our tourists. It is critically important that the tourist industry maintain its commitment to competitiveness.
