Seanad debates
Wednesday, 13 November 2002
Tourism Industry: Statements (Resumed).
Senators have correctly pointed out the need to market the island properly. There is no doubt that a lack of funding for marketing can only be adverse which is why, even in the context of the present budgetary constraints, I am striving to ensure that in 2003 we, at the very least, maintain market spend at this year's level. You speculate to accumulate in any business and that was never more true of any industry than of tourism. Yesterday I attended the world travel market in London and could see how truly competitive tourism has become. Countries all over the world had stands at the market and it was an education to look at the level of competition Ireland faces internationally. There are countries emerging from the dark days of communism, countries evolving into democracies and others which are not so democratic vying for international business which is why Ireland must remain competitive and maintain its product at a sophisticated level. Ireland boasts some of the finest food in the world, one of its cleanest and best environments and accommodation that is second to none and we must guard against any inclination to benefit to excess. It is very important that we maintain the product at a competitive price.
No comments