Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

While we head into 2023 in a relatively strong position following last year's rebound in international visitors, I am conscious that there are immediate challenges facing our tourism industry. Notwithstanding this, we must continue to plan for further recovery in the sector and build for a sustainable future.

In budget 2023, I secured an additional €5 million allocation for the tourism agencies to continue the development of a new tourism initiative as provided for in the programme for Government. In keeping with the mission of my Department, this commitment provides an opportunity to support sustainable development in the diverse sectors under its remit and to enhance cultural and economic growth across Irish society.

Another area where I believe there is great opportunity for tourism potential into the future is through further development of on-island cross-Border tourism. My Department has had extensive engagement with the Department of the Taoiseach regarding shared island funding, with the result that €7.6 million was allocated for a new all-island tourism brand collaboration and marketing initiative, connecting the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way in the north west. This project will be developed and implemented over the next three years and will build on the international reputations of these two magnificent tourist routes.

With regard to longer-term tourism policy measures, there is a need to look beyond the challenges that have been presented by the Covid-19 crisis and the current cost-of-living issues to ensure a long-term shift towards a greener and more sustainable tourism environment. My Department has initiated the development of a new national tourism policy that will seek to mainstream sustainability. This will be informed by and will build upon the work already undertaken to further the sustainable tourism agenda and provides an opportunity to set out what type of tourism sector we want out to 2030 and beyond.

This new tourism policy will seek to support sustainable economic development in communities throughout the country, while protecting our environment and natural resources and with a greater spread of demand across the year. This policy commitment will provide the framework from which new tourism initiatives will be developed into the future. These new initiatives and future investment will continue to focus on delivering a compelling tourism experience but must do so in a manner that sustains Ireland's environmental and cultural capital while ensuring a safe, satisfying, accessible and fulfilling experience for visitors.

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