Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the extent to which she expects growth to take place in the tourism sector in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10751/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland estimate that overseas tourism to Ireland in 2022 could return to approximately 70% of 2019 levels. This is based on the current air access outlook which suggests that seat capacity in 2022 will be 83% of 2019 levels.
While international tourism remains uncertain, domestic tourism continues to drive recovery of the sector in an increasing number of destinations. According to experts, domestic tourism and travel close to home, as well as open-air activities, nature-based products and rural tourism are among the major travel trends that will continue shaping tourism in 2022. Fáilte Ireland estimate that Irish domestic tourism could return to 2019 levels in 2022. This is based on the strong performance of the home market during the pandemic and the pent-up demand they are seeing.
In Budget 2022, the Government allocated €67.6m in additional funding for tourism, thereby bringing the overall tourism services budget to €288m. This funding will enable the tourism agencies to assist in the recovery of the sector. The funding allocated to the tourism agencies in 2022 includes €50 million for further business continuity support for strategic tourism businesses and a €35m increase in the Tourism Marketing Fund as well as €36.5 in capital funding for tourism product development.
Tourism Ireland will invest over €80 million in an extensive programme of promotional activity in key international markets throughout 2022, while Fáilte Ireland are doubling their domestic marketing investment in 2022 to €10 million to drive domestic demand including short breaks all year round.
I can assure the Deputy that I am continuing to work closely with the sector, the Tourism Recovery Oversight Group and with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, to ensure a sustainable recovery for the sector in the context of the pandemic.
