Written answers

Thursday, 17 November 2005

Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism

Tourist Accommodation

5:00 pm

Photo of Brian O'SheaBrian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to comments from the chief executive of Tourism Ireland that one in ten bed and breakfasts will cease trading by the end of 2005 due to increased competition with hotels for guests; his views on the threat to bed and breakfasts here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34890/05]

Photo of John O'DonoghueJohn O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
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As I have previously advised the House, I do not have responsibility for the registration and listing of tourist accommodation facilities as this is a day-to-day function of Fáilte Ireland under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003. However, I am aware that the bed and breakfast and guesthouse sector has experienced a loss in market share in recent years for a number of reasons, including changes in consumer preferences, growth in urban and short-haul holiday taking and the large addition of budget hotel accommodation stock. In response to concerns about its short and medium term prospects, a strategic review of the bed and breakfast sector was commissioned by Fáilte Ireland. Recently, the consultants' recommendations were presented to representatives of the sector's main associations for their views.

In the meantime, Fáilte Ireland is continuing to support the bed and breakfast and small and medium-sized accommodation sector through specific marketing initiatives and a range of activities in support of this sector was announced as part of its 2005 marketing and development plans. Programmes include co-operative marketing activities and education programmes for bed and breakfasts, establishment of a representative national forum for guesthouses, working with marketing groups representing one star and two star hotels and support for other accommodation sectors.

In addition, Fáilte Ireland's small and medium sized enterprise scheme continues to support keysectors such as the bed and breakfasts, self-catering, caravan and camping, rural tourism and hostels in the areas of market supports, e-business and capability building at both the sector and enterprise level, and a business solutions toolkit is available to assist small businesses in understanding basic, but key, areas of business operation.

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