IHF STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO RESIGNATION OF MR MARTIN CULLEN, TD

9 March 2010

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today thanked Minister Martin Cullen, TD, for his valuable contribution to Irish tourism during his time in the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism. Paul Gallagher, President of the IHF praised Minister Cullen’s commitment to the tourism sector and, in particular, his achievement in positioning tourism as a significant contributor to the economy at the highest levels of Government. 

Mr Gallagher states, “On behalf of the IHF’s 900 members, we wish Minister Cullen a speedy recovery from his back complaint and we wish him the very best in his retirement.  His willingness to engage on key issues facing our industry was of vital importance in keeping tourism to the fore of Government policy in recent times. In particular, his recognition of the return on investment achieved from tourism marketing funds ensured that investment in marketing was maintained in Budget 2010 – a time of significant restriction in Government spending.”

“Tourism has an important strategic role to play in the Ireland’s economic recovery. Given its position as the country’s largest indigenous employer, it is vital that the tourism remains to the fore of the national economic agenda. This should be reflected in the selection of Minister Cullen’s successor if we are to reap the full benefits that tourism can bring to Ireland.”

Mr Gallagher stated that Minster Cullen has made significant contributions during his career in the departments of the Environment, Transport, Social and Family Affairs and Arts, Sport & Tourism. He states that as Minister for transport, Mr Cullen was particularly supportive of the tourism sector in prioritising investment in regional transport infrastructure. To date, improvements in this area have assisted the regional spread of tourism and tourism-related activities across the country.

ENDS

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Siobhan Molloy / Eoin Quinn - Weber Shandwick                

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