Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 27: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the threat to bed and breakfast facilities here due to competition with hotels; if contact has been made with people from the bed and breakfast sector regarding the issue; the outcome of these meetings; his plans regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2510/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I have previously advised the House, I do not have responsibility for the registration and listing of tourist accommodation facilities. 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 guest house sectors have experienced a loss in market share in recent years for a number of reasons, including changes in consumer preferences, growth in urban and short-break holiday taking and the addition of a large amount of budget hotel accommodation stock.

As I pointed out in an earlier reply today, visitors cannot be forced to go to a particular location or to avail of particular products against their will. The responsibility primarily lies with the individual communities and operators in the sector to present and market compelling attractions, facilities, accommodation and experiences that deliver value for money and quality service. Having said that, Fáilte Ireland recognises that staying in an Irish home can be a defining experience for overseas visitors and is convinced that this should remain an element of the Irish tourism brand. The importance of the product is reflected in the fact that over half of the 3,000 nominations received in 2005 for the Irish Welcome Awards were for people running bed and breakfast accommodation.

The tourism policy review group considered that the important and unique product which the bed and breakfast sector offers to tourists could be better developed and promoted if the different groups representing the sector came together into a more unified and single structure to more effectively represent their industry and to work closely with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for that purpose.

Facilitated by officials from Teagasc and Leader, a number of representative groups for accommodation and other service providers, including Irish Farmhouse Holidays came together in May 2004 to form a national rural tourism federation. This is receiving funding from Fáilte Ireland, which will assist in establishing it as a more effective representative body for rural tourism providers. With these developments, there is more scope for joint marketing activities and the development of stronger links with other, non-member, organisations.

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. Programmes include co-operative marketing activities and education programmes for bed and breakfast providers.

In addition, Fáilte Ireland's small and medium sized enterprise scheme continues to support key sectors such as bed and breakfast, 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. A business solutions tool kit is also available to assist small businesses in understanding basic, but key, areas of business operation.