Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
565. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his strategy and plans for counteracting the decline of UK visitor numbers here; the changes he plans to make to his departmental budget to deal with this evolving situation; his strategy for the Border counties in view of the fact that these areas are heavily dependent on UK markets for tourism revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43007/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the overall growth in visit numbers to Ireland in the first eight months of 2017. However, the persistent decline in the numbers visiting from Great Britain continues to be a concern. The fall in the value of sterling against the euro following the Brexit vote in the UK has been the primary factor in this.
Tourism Ireland is responsible for marketing Ireland as a tourist destination in overseas markets. I am informed that it has implemented a series of actions in the GB market to address the implications of Brexit and the fall in the value of sterling. For example, a greater focus has been placed on, "culturally curious", visitors, who are less impacted by currency fluctuations and highlighting off-season breaks and value offers. I am aware also that Tourism Ireland has increased publicity and trade visits for the border area. As well as this, it is pursuing a market diversification strategy. This aims to attract more visitors from markets which deliver longer stays and, therefore, higher revenue returns. This strategy is bearing fruit as evidenced by the significant increase in visitors from North America and other markets thus far in 2017.
Fáilte Ireland has recently launched its Brexit Response Programme. Its new, "Get Brexit Ready", programme offers a suite of industry supports, designed to help businesses struggling with the loss of trade created by Brexit. The programme allows individual businesses to self-assess their exposures and risks and provides a range of interventions to match their needs.
In terms of budgets, allocations for 2018 will be made available in Budget 2018. I have highlighted various funding priorities for my Department for 2018 in my discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, including Brexit-related priorities.
