Wednesday 14th January 2004

ACTION ON TOURISM PLAN WELCOMED
Appointment of Implementation Group - Major Step Forward Says IHF

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today greeted the announcement by John O'Donoghue T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism that he is establishing an implementation group to oversee the Tourism Policy Review Group's action plan as timely and appropriate. The Chief Executive of the IHF stated that the high level group drawn from a cross section of Irish business would bring practical and tangible effect to the progressive and visionary plan to grow Ireland's tourism success over the next decade.

"This is a very welcome and strategic move forward to put in place the foundations to build Ireland's tourism success to new levels and growth achievements," said John Power, Chief Executive. "Whilst, the vision of the Tourism Policy Review Group is to double overseas visitor spend in Ireland to €6 billion over the next 10 years, the first two years setting the chess pieces in place from which to instigate this growth, will be crucial. Irish tourism is arguably the most successful sector of Irish owned enterprise since the foundation of the state and offers excellent potential growth opportunities with the right strategic approaches."

"We would support the Minister's reaffirmation that the economic importance of Irish tourism must be highlighted and indeed factored into all Government departments so they are fully aware of the impact their decisions could have on the sector. Too often tourism is seen as an 'invisible' industry and not the employer of some 150,000 people in every town and village across the country. We hope that strides will be made in this area to properly portray the importance of the industry at all levels of Irish commerce and government."

Mr Power acknowledged with appreciation that Jim Murphy, President of the Irish Hotels Federation was a member of the new Implementation Group, suggesting that this signified the importance of the accommodation sector within the Irish tourism product as a whole. He confirmed the IHF's commitment and that of it's close to 1,000 members, to support and play a key role to assist achieve the challenging growth targets being set for the next 10 years.

"The IHF subscribes to the new vision for Irish tourism as a dynamic innovative, sustainable and highly regarded sector - offering overseas and domestic customers a positive and memorable experience beyond their expectations," concluded John Power.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Siobhan Molloy/Niamh Boylan Tel: (01) 676 01 68
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