HOTELIERS LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING CLOSELY WITH NEW TOURISM MINISTER
Irish Hotels Federation Welcomes Appointment of Minister Shane Ross, TD
Friday, 6th May 2016: The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) welcomes the appointment of Shane Ross, TD, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. Given tourism’s position as the country’s largest indigenous employer, Minister Ross will play an important role in ensuring that national policies are focused on supporting and developing this vital industry during the term of the new Government.
IHF President, Joe Dolan says: “We look forward to working with Minister Ross to ensure tourism achieves a sustained recovery, building on the significant progress made over the last five years – during which time the industry has created over 33,000 new jobs.”
“The recovery in tourism has been supported by a range of targeted Government measures that have had an enormously positive impact on the industry,” says Mr Dolan. “Continued growth in tourism cannot be taken for granted however. Our industry is only at the early stage of recovery following the downturn and further progress is needed before it reaches its full potential as an engine of growth and job creation.”
“Irish tourism is now on track to create a further 40,000 additional jobs by 2021, provided the sector remains to the fore of Government decision making and continues to be supported by longterm policies focused on growth and employment,” says Mr Dolan.
Mr Dolan thanked outgoing Minister Paschal Donohoe for his commitment to the industry during his tenure as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and for ensuring tourism remained at the heart of Government policy during his term.
Tourism’s economic contribution
Tourism is one of Ireland’s largest indigenous industries and supports over 205,000 jobs – equivalent to 11% of total employment in the country. Over 33,000 additional jobs created by hospitality and tourism since 2011, accounting for 1 in every 5 new jobs. It accounts for almost 4% of GNP and generated €1.8 billion in taxes. Last year, Ireland attracted over 8.5 million overseas visitors and total tourism revenue was €7.3 billion*, of which foreign exchange earnings in the economy amounted to €5.7 billion. Based on projected rates of growth in overseas visitors, the IHF forecasts that Irish tourism as a whole is now on track to create a further 40,000 jobs over the next five years.
* includes carrier receipts and revenue from visitors from Northern Ireland
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