Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 35: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for a role for the EDEN destinations in Ireland in the preparations to host events around the Gathering. [8633/12]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 51: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has any plans to recognise and actively support the promotion of the EDEN destinations in Ireland in a bid to capitalise on the unique recognition afforded to these destinations by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8632/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 51 together.

The matters raised are primarily operational ones for the State tourism agencies. Fáilte Ireland - as the National Tourism Development Authority - is the lead agency for organising "The Gathering 2013" and for promoting domestic tourism as well as destination development. Tourism Ireland has lead responsibility for promoting Irish tourism in overseas markets. I have referred the Deputy's Questions to both agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 36: 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. [8619/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 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 2013" -a major tourism initiative to attract overseas visitors to all parts of Ireland - 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 here.

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 at national and regional level.