Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In autumn 2021, the Minister brought to Government a report developed by the sustainable tourism working group, which was established under the aegis of the Department. The report identifies a suite of actions that will promote sustainable tourism practices ahead of the development of a new national tourism policy. The successful implementation of these actions will shine a light on areas and destinations that are striving to be best in class in terms of sustainability and will provide better access to information and tools for the tourism industry and visitors to practise responsible tourism.

On foot of the suite of actions set out in an interim action plan, Fáilte Ireland will this year work with the National Transport Authority, NTA, to give appropriate consideration to linkages to ferry ports and the rail network when considering new walking trail developments and extensions to existing trails. Fáilte Ireland will also carry out a feasibility study on the infrastructure required to be able to travel and tour Ireland's experience regions by sustainable modes of transport. From a promotional perspective, Tourism Ireland will tailor our marketing programmes to focus on sustainable tourism product and work towards the longer-term goal of ensuring that we are successfully marketed as a sustainable tourism destination.

Fáilte Ireland is also involved in the development of walking, cycling and water-based trails with the tourism agency either developing best practice guidelines or supporting the Sport Ireland guidelines for trail development - all aimed at supporting trail developers, tourism businesses and local communities to harness the economic opportunities of such trails. With regard to access to the countryside, this is being addressed as part of the development of the new national outdoor recreation strategy under the remit of the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

Tourism Ireland continues to work with all ferry companies serving Ireland to promote attractive fares and to highlight travelling here by ferry. In 2022, Tourism Ireland is investing €594,000 in co-operative activity to promote ferry travel to Ireland. My Department has initiated the development of a new national tourism policy that will mainstream sustainability. This new policy will be informed by and build upon the work undertaken by the sustainable tourism working group and will promote sustainable development and management within the tourism ecosystem.

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