Dáil debates

Thursday, 22 September 2011

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

 

2:00 pm

Photo of Tom FlemingTom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)

I welcome the Bill, which is a positive initiative. As a growth industry, tourism is one of the prime indigenous products we have. Our tourism infrastructure needs to be expanded and developed. So far this year, the trend has been that American and continental visitor numbers are up by approximately 15% or 16%, but visitor numbers from Britain, our nearest neighbour and biggest market, have not recovered to this extent. The United Kingdom was always our stable tourist market. We will have to analyse this. I believe visitor numbers from the UK are up by only 8%. We will need to identify the reasons for this and deal with the issues in the short term.

In the south west we have excellent access for UK visitors who wish to bring their own transport such as cars or caravans via the Cork-Swansea ferry or the Rosslare ferry. The viability of the Cork-Swansea ferry in particular is dependent on numbers rising to what they were in the mid-2000s. The return of the Kerry-Dublin public service obligation is vital for the tourism industry and the economy of County Kerry. The continuation of flights between Kerry Airport and the United Kingdom and the Continent is also vital.

As well as our traditional strongholds in the countries I have mentioned, we must seek new and vibrant markets to boost visitor numbers. For example, Russia is a high potential and lucrative market that we should explore and pursue vigorously. It takes only three hours to fly to Ireland from Moscow, compared with over six hours from the east coast of the USA. The Russian economy is performing reasonably and the middle to high earners have good disposable incomes. There have been links between Shannon Airport and Russia in the past, with the setting up of a duty free zone in Moscow.

With regard to product development, the skills are available. Tourism is a labour-intensive industry and our hotel and catering staff across the hospitality sector are highly trained and efficient. A hotel employing up to 100 people is invaluable to the local economy and, subject to its performing well, provides good and sustainable jobs. The tourism season is getting longer. Unlike many companies, such as Aetna in Castleisland, County Kerry, and TalkTalk in Waterford, not to mention the recent speculation about Aviva, a hotel will not up sticks and move on.

Regarding the decline in visitors in recent years, it is obvious that tourists are looking for more than just scenery. Value for money and visitor attractions are paramount. We must ensure tourists are happy and satisfied with their experience here and that they spread a good image of Ireland abroad.

We have an abundance of natural amenities for promoting activity holidays such as, for example, the rural and mountain walks being created throughout the country. Our landscape is ideal, being safe and suitable for these activities which cater for both walkers and cyclists. There is a great initiative in County Kerry whereby Pat Falvey who has taken part in several expeditions, including to Mount Everest and the South Pole, is promoting mountain walks in the Carrauntoohil area. It is proving to be very popular. In the Minister of State's county, Mayo, there is a great walking and cycling route between Newport and Mulranny. These initiatives are being replicated throughout the country and make great use of our natural resources.

Inland fisheries are another great under-utilised resource. Rivers and lakes need restocking and refurbishing, a most important factor, having regard to the salmon from the Atlantic Ocean that spawn in them. We must develop fishing stands for people with disabilities and promote and concentrate on fishing by ladies because up to now it has been a male dominated recreational activity. There is an initiative in south Kerry whereby fishing stands for the disabled are being developed in conjunction with the promotion of ladies fishing, both of which offer great potential. On the west coast, surfing sites are among the best in the world, receiving global recognition and attracting enthusiasts from all over the world.

There is great scope to develop the cultural tourism sector. Visitors from the traditional markets of the United Kingdom, the USA and continental Europe bring in more than €65 million per annum.

On genealogy, we need a central headquarters where all allied information and records would be made available. The records currently available are fragmented and members of the Irish Diaspora often find it difficult to trace their ancestry in a straightforward method. I suggest Killarney House which is being refurbished be the designated centre. As Killarney is the capital of the Irish tourism industry and a worldwide brand, it would be appropriate to have this service centrally located in Killarney House when it has been restored to its original condition. One hopes that will happen in the near future.

We need to provide for an all-inclusive transport system travel ticket for all ground transport throughout the country, including bus, rail and Luas. We could then liaise with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and extend the scheme to cover the whole island. Currently, visitors have to operate in a piecemeal fashion, whereas in their own countries they are able to purchase all-inclusive transport tickets. We must pursue this matter.

It was drawn to my attention recently that senior citizens, or persons aged over 70 years, coming to this country were experiencing great difficulty in finding self-drive cars. Some have been refused. One individual travelled across the Border to Belfast and, with his full licence, had no difficulty in getting such a car which he was very glad to be able to drive around the country. Unfortunately, he had to travel from Dublin to Belfast to get it, which gives a very bad image of the country and makes people feel most unwelcome. When they return to their homeland and talk to their fellow citizens, they spread a negative perception of the country.

The film industry also offers great potential to attract visitors, whether from Hollywood or Bollywood. A film is being shot on the streets of Dublin with a company which will be located in the city for a number of weeks. This will generate much needed revenue and is great for the local economy. In addition, the scenery at all of the locations filmed will be shown on a worldwide stage, which is most important.

We must concentrate on and emphasise the food product we have available in this country, including artisan products for sale at country markets. We must get the catering industry to buy into and promote this aspect. Our image is of pollution free lands and rivers because we escaped the industrial revolution in other countries which will stand to our good in the coming years. We need to engage in much more promotion in this regard because there is a ready market available that we should develop.

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