Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will take less time to make it easier for the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

On the Fáilte Ireland side, I ask that we seek to increase the resources specifically allocated to getting our industry China ready, as the Minister described it. I agree with the Minister that many of our providers, specifically the average hotelier, feel somewhat challenged when welcoming Chinese visitors because they do not have the language or cultural understanding that might be required to give Chinese tourists an adequate experience. Tourism Ireland has invested €1 million in the Chinese market and the Minister has agreed to ask the agency to consider increasing that figure.

Could a specific unit within Fáilte Ireland be enabled and resourced to enhance properly the capability of a our service providers of accommodation, restaurants etc. so that they are confident in welcoming Chinese visitors?

See this speech in context