Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

The solution the Minister finds will be critical for the spread of tourism across the country. Despite the increase in numbers of people coming to the country, many parts are experiencing a drop in numbers entering their region. Intensive marketing is the only way to attract tourists back to those regions. I appeal to the Minister to ensure the regional structures are well resourced and strong enough to attract tourists. Tourists must be attracted away from the capital city or must be induced to spend some time in the regions if they visit Dublin. At the moment this is not happening. Tourists are staying for shorter periods and are spending less time in the regions. It is critical that there be a more vibrant regional approach to tourism. Otherwise the regions will suffer, businesses will close and the tradition of visitors going to rural Ireland will be a thing of the past.

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