Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 2 October 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport

Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Group and Port of Waterford Company: Chairpersons Designate

Mr. Michael Cawley:

We want to give people the best experience possible. We emphasise retention of business to a lot to people. For example, one of the things we emphasise to all the stakeholders in the tourism industry is responding to ratings on TripAdvisor, booking.comand other rating websites. They are a key not only to getting visitors back but also to reaching the people who read and use those websites. They are highly instructive and highly informative to people travelling. Fortunately or unfortunately, we have to work them - that is the way the world is - and the communication there through social media is very important. I am surprised by the Deputy's numbers because my information is that only 14% of British people have ever visited this country. I see that as an opportunity. Those who come, however, come frequently. I am very familiar with west Cork, for example, and the south. There is huge repeat business there from people from Britain in particular, probably less so from Americans because it is such a big journey and a once in a lifetime experience for them. I am therefore surprised by the Deputy's figure, but the whole experience-----

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.