Written answers

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Tourism Industry

5:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to support tourism in the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/12]

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Government recognises that tourism is very important to all regions of Ireland. It employs an estimated 180,000 people spread throughout the country and much of this in rural areas.

The Government's Jobs Initiative last year placed the tourism and hospitality sector at the heart of our economic recovery, recognising its vital contribution to employment, economic activity and foreign revenue earnings. The VAT reduction on a range of labour-intensive tourism services from 13.5% to 9% with effect from 1 July 2011 enhances further the competitiveness of our tourism product. The new Visa Waiver Scheme will encourage visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to a trip to the UK. The Government has also significantly reduced the cost of employing people by halving employers' PRSI for those on modest wages.

In addition, the necessary structures to deliver "The Gathering" in 2013 are being put in place. This year will be critical in starting our marketing efforts to help achieve the target we have set of bringing an extra 325,000 visitors to Ireland.

We are seeing a recovery in overseas visitor numbers with year-on-year growth of just under 7% in the first eleven months of 2011.

Operational responsibility for promotion and development of tourism in individual regions, rests with the State tourism agencies. The Government is providing more than €138 million to support tourism in 2012 across a diverse range of activities including overseas and domestic marketing, investment in the development of tourism product and vital business supports to tourism enterprises. I am satisfied that the tourism agencies are pursuing the appropriate strategies to support the continued promotion and development of the sector.

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