The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomes the interim report published by the Tourism Policy Review Group and looks forward to the publication of the final report this summer. A participant in the consultation process undertaken by the Group, the IHF states that the interim report is a compelling document. It maintains that when further expanded upon, the final report's recommendations, if implemented, will have far reaching positive impacts on Irish tourism for the future. The IHF positively acknowledges Minister John O'Donoghue's strong commitment today to ensuring the report's recommendations will be implemented effectively.

According to Jim Murphy, President, IHF the report clearly identifies the key issues facing the industry and acknowledges the fact that the economic and social contribution of the Irish tourism industry is seriously under valued at national and government levels.

"This interim report was produced under the guidance of a panel which included a number of independent, successful business people. The industry is fortunate to have had such access to these imminent people who provided real and tangible business focused recommendations. The report indicates a strategic direction for tourism and the numerous factors it identifies needing priority action, will if implemented, have a tremendous positive impact on Irish tourism. The IHF representing the sector with the highest level of employment (60,000) and an investment value of over €5 billion, is committed to play its part in the implementation of the recommendations. This report creates a road map for the future. Its final format will guide the most important Irish indigenous industry and aid it in resuming its growth and ever increasing contribution to the Irish economy." says Mr Murphy.

The IHF is particularly pleased that the Tourism Policy Review Group has included in its recommendation a number of key items requiring urgent action, which were identified in the Federation's submission. These included; the renegotiation of the bilateral agreement with the US to facilitate the introduction of additional direct air routes into Ireland; the development of a competing, efficient fast turnaround terminal at Dublin airport and the development of the national conference centre. The imperative of other Government departments to take into account in their actions, the needs and concerns of the tourist industry is fundamental, stresses the IHF.

"It is important that other Government Departments - not just the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism acknowledges the importance of tourism in decisions they take. Recently this has not been the case in decisions taken by the Department of Finance in areas of taxation, and the Department of Health in relation to its proposed ban on smoking. The report highlights the necessity for areas such as taxation, the level of Government charges both at national and local authority level, and the absolute imperative to prioritise effective actions to reduce insurance costs to be addressed," Mr Murphy continues.

"It is not just Government that has a responsibility, we acknowledge as a major industry player that we also have a crucial part to play in developing initiatives to improve the sector's competitiveness. Our sector acknowledges its role in assisting to ensure the quality of the Irish holiday experience is preserved for our visitors and the need to find ways to reduce costs to ensure that high quality services and standards can be maintained in an ever increasing cost base environment.

"Tourism now supports one in twelve jobs and is Ireland's largest indigenous industry employer. At a national and local level, the impact of tourism has brought many economic and social benefits. It is an employer and economic driver in every village and town in the country. We are delighted to be a key part of that success. We look forward to the final report being published and participating in the implementation of its recommendation," Mr Murphy concludes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
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