Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
529. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism industry to develop in all its facets in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18051/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAfter a number of very successful years, indications are that 2018 will prove to be another good year for tourism in Ireland. Sentiment in the industry both overseas and here at home is generally positive for the remainder of 2018. Tourism Ireland’s aim is to grow overseas tourism revenue by a further +5% this year and to increase the number of overseas visitors by 2%.
The early signs are promising, with the CSO reporting in its Overseas Travel release that overseas trips to Ireland for the first two months of the year, at almost 1.2 million visits, were up 7.9% on 2017, as follows:
- Visits from North America were up by 4.2%;
- Visits from Mainland Europe were up by 17.6%;
- Great Britain registered an increase of 4.0% in visits; and
- Visits from the rest of the world (long-haul) decreased by 3.8%.
While the data only covers two months and it is too early to predict how the rest of the year might fare, it is a welcome start which indicates that we are well placed to build further on the outstanding growth of recent years.
The Government continues to offer strong support to the industry, as demonstrated most recently by Fáilte Ireland’s launch of the new brand for the Midlands, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. This will enhance the Midlands as a tourism destination for both domestic and overseas visitors. We have also invested an additional €2 million in Tourism Ireland this year to support its digital marketing infrastructure. This investment recognises the fact that we are operating in a hugely competitive international marketplace in which it is vital that we maintain a strong presence.
Despite positive visitor numbers from Britain in early 2018, Brexit continues to be a concern for tourism. I am aware that the tourism agencies are keeping a very close eye on developments in the British market. Nevertheless, it highlights the importance of market diversification as we continue to attract greater numbers of visitors from European, North American and long-haul destinations. The inaugural direct flights from China, due to commence in June, will be vital in exploiting the potential of this massive market.
We cannot be complacent about continued growth in tourism. We must aim to deliver growth which is sustainable, from an economic, social and environmental perspective. This is something that we will be considering this year in the context of the Government’s tourism policy.
