Dáil debates

Thursday, 22 September 2011

National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill 2011: Second Stage

 

2:00 pm

Photo of Tom BarryTom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I welcome the Bill which highlights the Government's commitment to the vital tourism sector, and I warmly welcome the extremely encouraging figures in terms of visitor numbers. Our main markets, Britain and the United States, which account for more than 60% of all visitors to Ireland, saw increases of 8% and 15%, respectively, in visitor numbers, and the figures from Europe are also particularly encouraging. Visitor numbers from the Benelux countries are up an impressive 28%, France 23% and Scandinavian visitor numbers have increased by 21%. These increases must be recognised.

The domestic market, however, generates €1.3 billion in revenue and we must remember that the so-called staycation is very important. Competitiveness is improving and the direct intervention of the Government in that regard has been crucial. The jobs initiative not only reduced the VAT level to 9% for labour-intensive services, it also halved PRSI contributions for many employers in that sector through work placements and internships and offered a helping hand to struggling businesses. We know from our constituents that the VAT reduction is certainly working on the ground.

In the programme for Government there was a commitment to target available resources at developing and co-ordinating niche tourism products and activity packages, and in that regard we must not forget cultural and literary tourism. This is a significant area that is largely unexplored in many parts of the country and has phenomenal potential.

I wish to refer to the Avondhu Blackwater Partnership in Cork which launched the Blackwater Valley heritage trail at the beginning of this month. The innovative series of tours were developed by the local development company to promote the rich heritage of the Blackwater Valley and to enhance the major tourism potential of north Cork. To augment the tours, a free high quality brochure was published featuring 23 heritage sites encompassing an area from Blarney to Mallow and Fermoy to Lismore. The brochure gives an historic summary of sites such as Bridgetown Priory near Castletownroche, Labbacallee megalithic tomb near Glanworth, and Ballysaggartmore towers in Lismore. In addition, interpretative panels are also now on display at each site. People can drive the trail route or they can avail of the new guided bus tours which Avordhu Blackwater is co-ordinating, using local guides with priceless local knowledge. Avondhu Blackwater also offers specifically designed heritage trails for schools, tour groups and other organisations such as active retirement groups in exploring the rich heritage of the area.

To make the tours a reality, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership teamed up with Fáilte Ireland, an initiative in which I was glad to be involved, to offer a new high quality tour guide training course aimed at people who have a general interest in local heritage and history and who would like to learn more about the tourism industry and, importantly, how to guide groups in a professional manner in local areas. They recognised that the right local people are the key to unlocking an area's tourism potential. The training was free of charge and the tours are already proving a hit with visitors from as far away as New Zealand. In essence, the local community is taking ownership of the local tourism.

The tourism capital investment programme grants scheme is an excellent tool which will develop new attractions for visitors and also upgrade existing amenities. We often talk, rightly so, about sectors such as agriculture being a natural resource, but our heritage is one of our greatest natural resources. It is immensely valuable and has huge potential as we revert to what do best, which is providing exceptional holidays for visitors from at home and abroad.

We cannot and do not want to sell Ireland as a sun destination, which would be a bit of a hit and miss scenario. The tourism capital investment programme grant scheme must take into account our rivers which flow through all our counties, and we have the River Blackwater in Cork. The potential for water sports and cruises to bring life to our rivers cannot be ignored. Also of merit is the E8 European walking route, which traverses through mainland Europe, Bulgaria into the United Kingdom and from there into Ireland. Capital funding to fund and create spurs off this E8 walking route would be very beneficial to rural tourism.

Investment in our fabulous forest walks and information boards is also crucial. Anything that can capture the imagination of the tourist and bring our localities to life is valuable.

With the advent of iPhones, one of which I have in my hand, and app stores-----

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