DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REQUIRED TO DRIVE GROWTH

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today stated that tourism must remain to the fore of Government policy – otherwise Ireland’s largest indigenous industry could see further declines. Speaking on the eve of the IHF’s 72nd annual conference, President, Matthew Ryan, said that any dilution of tourism’s status and recognition at Government level would undermine its role as a lynchpin for recovery in the Irish economy. Employing some 200,000 people across every town, village and city in Ireland, the IHF stresses that tourism’s status as a potential driver of the Irish economy should always be recognised in having a government department to enable a clear focus on exploiting its fullest potential.

According to Mr Ryan, it has been widely acknowledged that tourism must be at the heart of national Government policy and decision making, given the business of tourism is impacted by decisions taken by almost all state departments. The Irish Tourism Renewal Group’s Report also reaffirms this position and stresses the need for the Government to recognise the vital importance of this industry to the recovery of the Irish economy.

“The rumour and speculation on the future of the current Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism is wholly unhelpful, however, any change in departmental structures does offer an opportunity to correctly position tourism at state level to reflect the important business operation that it is. In whatever Departmental structure which emerges tourism must be the lead economic activity of that Department. In this way it will ensure that national policies are focussed on supporting and developing tourism.

“The Government must now demonstrate its commitment to ensuring tourism remains to the fore of Ireland’s economic agenda. A more holistic approach to tourism that builds compelling offerings around visitors and their experiences while visiting Ireland is needed. This requires that we market Ireland more effectively, increase accessibility and reduce costs in a time of diminished resources – to achieve this, it is essential to have a department focusing on working in partnership with industry and the relevant state bodies,” he maintains.

“Tourism has a substantial untapped potential to assist in economic recovery throughout every town and village in the country. It is a serious business – any departmental or governmental decisions now must reflect that," Mr. Ryan concludes.

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