Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
486. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the tourism action plan 2018-2020 will examine the role of hotels as economic drivers of rural towns; the measures he plans to support hotels as pivotal parts of tourism strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22053/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises the unique role of tourism in regional and rural economic activity and aims to maximise the wide-ranging economic and social benefits of the sector by promoting Ireland as a tourist destination abroad, supporting enterprises and jobs and providing an attractive competitive overall offering for tourists. Initiatives like the Regional Co-operative Market Access Scheme and the Brand Experiences such as the Wild Atlantic Way, are just two examples of many initiatives that have been very beneficial for rural tourism.
In regard to hotels, my Department's Tourism Policy Statement 'People, Place and Policy - Growing Tourism to 2025' and the Tourism Action Plan committed to reviewing and updating regulations governing visitor accommodation in order to address changing market needs. Accordingly, in response to consumer preference, and in order to boost the economic rationale for investment in hotel development, Fáilte Ireland's revised Registration and Renewal of Registrations Regulations for Hotels 2016 came into operation on 1st August 2016. Changes set out in the Regulations aim to make investment more attractive by allowing hotel operators provide more rooms per square metre and thereby operate at a lower cost base, improve hotel capacity, competitiveness and profitability. Consumers should also benefit in terms of increased room capacity, competition and range of accommodation.
Work is currently underway in drafting the next Tourism Action Plan for the period 2018-2020 and workshops are due to take place over the summer with a view to finalising the actions that will be included in the plan. The Tourism Action Plan 2018-2020 will be finalised over the summer months and is due to be published in the autumn.
