Seanad debates

Wednesday, 27 November 2002

National Tourism Development Authority Bill, 2002: Second Stage.

 

Senator Fitzgerald quite rightly mentioned the exorbitant price of a cappuccino. One can spend much more for a cup of coffee in upmarket cafés and hotels in Dublin and elsewhere, excluding Cork and Kerry of course, than one would in a foreign holiday destination. Even taking taxes into consideration, there is an unswerving determination to get every last cent from customers. That is a bad mindset, however, because people are easily influenced by high prices. We should keep an eye on prices that are being charged in the services sector and overpricing should not be tolerated. In the end, it comes down to the customer's decision whether to purchase a product, and that can determine whether visitors will return to a destination. If they feel the person behind the counter is acting like the famous highwayman of old, Dick Turpin, then they will not come back. Not everyone who comes here steps off the plane at Shannon Airport with money spilling out of their pockets.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.