Seanad debates
Wednesday, 19 November 2003
Report of Tourism Policy Review Group: Statements.
The report also identifies the major contribution of domestic tourism to our national coffers. That is very often under-estimated. The more attractive and accessible we make our home market, the more of our tourism expenditure will remain at home, rather than going abroad to other destinations. I have often felt that a small injection of patriotism at times of challenge would not go astray. We could appeal to people in that regard. I will refer to just two statistics: 55% of tourist respondents considered we were rather pricey but, on the other hand, 90% said that Ireland, as a holiday destination, not only met but actually exceeded their expectations. If one sets the 55% against the 90%, I suggest we will have to revisit the analysis. Quality can cost money. We are right to have a focus on competitiveness, but we must be particularly careful that we do not diminish the quality in the process. If more than 90% of visitors said Ireland met or exceeded their expectations as a holiday destination, that is particularly important.
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