Peter Kelly (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

The current economic climate has impacted the numbers of people travelling globally, not just in Ireland. The US and most European countries are in recession. People have lost their jobs and have seen their living standards fall both at home and abroad. Naturally, that has had an enormous impact on the tourism industry. The CSO statistics published in May last showed that tourism numbers have dropped by 22% on the 2009 levels. That is hugely disappointing, but it must be viewed in the broader context of the global downturn.

The weather last winter provided a setback for the industry, which was already facing significant challenges. First, we had the arctic weather conditions at the beginning of the year and then the freakish volcanic ash incident saw European air space on virtual shutdown for several weeks. Those events were unforeseeable but unfortunately they provided another setback to an industry already struggling. With that kind of a start 2010 was always going to be a challenging year for tourism. The Government and its agencies are working extremely hard to tackle those challenges and maximise business for the tourism industry. The Government believes that a vibrant tourism sector is vital for economic renewal, which is the reason the tourism budget was increased last year by 3% even though there was severe pressure on the public finances. That has ensured the State agencies have received support to market Ireland, support festival and sporting events and to attract business people to come here.

To assist the tourism sector, an extensive range of marketing, product development, festival and sporting events, training and business supports are being put in place by the tourism State agencies under the tourism services budget of the Department. Earlier this year the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Deputy Hanafin, launched a €20 million marketing campaign designed to attract overseas tourists to this country. The campaign involves hundreds of tourism businesses including B&Bs, hotels, golf courses and national institutions.

Fáilte Ireland is working across five regions and has a budget of €4 million to encourage people to holiday at home this year. This campaign is centred on family promotions and offers, available both on-line and through a special offers brochure. The tourism industry has responded remarkably well to the recession. Businesses have reduced their prices, become more competitive and are devising imaginative and good-value offers to attract and retain visitors. Special offers, such as early-bird menus, mid-week special offers and family deals, are helping the industry to meet the challenges it faces head-on.

A Fáilte Ireland survey in The Irish Times found that 81% of people with children favour an Irish break. Forty-three per cent indicated they may take to foreign shores. The importance of the domestic market cannot be underestimated as it accounts for 65% of business in the intensely competitive hotel market. Recent research has indicated that Irish people now see Ireland as a good-value destination, with consumers acknowledging the excellent offers and value for money now available in the market.

Ógra Fianna Fáil is doing its bit. A group of energetic young people is involved in a countrywide promotional campaign to encourage people to holiday at home. Its website, eye-catching postcards and literature are well designed and humorous. I commend the group on its enthusiasm and their initiative.

There are over 200,000 people working in the tourism sector in Ireland. Overseas tourism alone contributes some €4 billion per year to the economies on this island. It is an extremely important sector. The recent report of the tourism renewal group has highlighted that marketing, along with renewed investment in the tourism product, including in respect of accommodation, food, attractions and support services, is vital to sustain and grow the sector.

We have a great product to sell. Our sports facilities, transport infrastructure, the new national conference centre and our cultural attractions are all great additions to the Irish brand. However, we must remain competitive and the industry is addressing this challenge.

I invite Members to the beautiful, natural harbour in the picturesque village of Clondra, County Longford, where the Royal Canal will be opened on 30 September 2010. It will be a very historic occasion in the Thirty-two Counties and will be attended by a Minister from the North and the South. There has been a €1 million investment in the harbour. The canal runs from Clondra all the way to Dublin.

Members should not forget the Johnny Keenan banjo festival this September in Longford town. If they have time this Sunday, they should come to Lanesboro on the River Shannon in County Longford and see the powerboats. The should come to Longford for the weekend. It has great bars and restaurants. Next Sunday, Longford will play Mayo in Pearse Park in Longford town. The people of Longford offer céad míle fáilte to all their Mayo friends on both sides of the House. That is all the good news. The bad news for Mayo is that I predict a Longford win.

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