Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The most recent published figures from the CSO show a reduction of 15.7% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland in the first three quarters of 2010 compared to the corresponding period of 2009. Figures for the third quarter of this year show that the fall-off is slowing down, at just over 8% compared to the corresponding period of 2009.

While any decrease is disappointing, the figures must be viewed in context. Tourism worldwide has been deeply affected by global economic difficulties and loss of consumer confidence. Furthermore, the exceptional weather conditions in the early part of the year and the closure of airports due to the volcanic ash cloud meant that it was inevitable that a fall-off in the numbers travelling, particularly in northwest Europe, would be experienced in the first half of 2010. At the same time it is important to recognise that more than 4.6 million overseas visitors came to Ireland in the first nine months of the year with hugely positive benefits for the Irish economy. The Government recognises the opportunities to grow this figure further and ensure that tourism plays a key part in Ireland's economic recovery.

Based on my recent experience in supporting the international marketing effort, I know that the industry and the tourism agencies are fighting hard for every bit of available business for the remainder of this year and into 2011. Tourism Ireland is finalising its 2011 business plan and next week I will launch its marketing plans for 2011. The main focus of the plans will be on those markets offering the best real prospects of growth in 2011, namely, Great Britain, the United States, Germany and France. The marketing campaigns will emphasise that there has never been a better time to holiday in Ireland in terms of the value available and the quality of the tourism product on offer.

On the business tourism front, the new Convention Centre, Dublin will be highlighted and further enhance our capacity to attract international events. Other significant events next year such as the Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle, the start of the tall ships race series in Waterford, Dublin Contemporary, Imagine Ireland, and the UEFA cup final at the Aviva Stadium will also provide significant opportunities to boost our international profile and the tourism agencies will work to maximise the tourism benefits of these events.

In terms of the broader policy environment, the report of the tourism renewal group set out a clear plan for the survival, recovery and growth of Irish tourism. I established the new tourism renewal implementation group in July 2010 to oversee and further drive actions on measures, based on the wide-ranging framework for action, that support tourism in Ireland, increase competitiveness and ensure that the sector is ready for recovery and growth. Good progress has been made with regard to the survival actions recommended by the renewal group and the implementation group will continue to meet to pursue outstanding measures that can ensure that Irish tourism returns to growth next year and plays a major role in Ireland's economic recovery.

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