Written answers

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Tourism Industry

Photo of Tony McLoughlinTony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures introduced in the tourism industry since March 2011; his views on whether these measures have had a positive impact on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15373/13]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Since March 2011 the Government has implemented a range of measures to support the tourism industry.  VAT has been reduced to 9% on accommodation, restaurant and other services and this lower rate of VAT continues in 2013.  The Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to their trip when they are visiting the UK.  The halving of employers’ PRSI for those on modest wages has reduced the cost of employing people.  More recently the Governnment has confirmed that  the extended Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) and the new Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) initiatives will apply to tourism accommodation. Tourism and coach operators in particular will also benefit from  the recently introduced fuel rebate and small tourism businesses will also benefit from the higher VAT threshold of €1.25 million.

In 2013 the Government will spend almost €140m through its agencies to support the industry, to market tourism at home and abroad and to support product development.  Fáilte Ireland also provides a range of business and training supports to tourism enterprises.

These measures put in place to support tourism helped to contribute to growth of almost 8% in visitor numbers in 2011 and, although visitor numbers only experienced marginal growth in 2012, figures released last week by the CSO showed that spending by visitors to Ireland increased by 4.5% last year to €3.68 billion.  In addition, according to Failte Ireland, the numbers employed in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Ireland is now 185,000, up 5,000 on their previous estimate. 

Finally, as the Deputy is aware, 2013 is the year of the Gathering and this initiative will provide further support for the industry this year as well as a legacy effect for future years.

Photo of Patrick O'DonovanPatrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures introduced in the tourism industry since March 2011; his views on whether these measures have had a positive impact on the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15215/13]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Since March 2011 the Government has implemented a range of measures to support the tourism industry.  VAT has been reduced to 9% on accommodation, restaurant and other services and this lower rate of VAT continues in 2013.  The Visa Waiver Scheme is encouraging visitors from emerging markets to add Ireland to their trip when they are visiting the UK.  The halving of employers’ PRSI for those on modest wages has reduced the cost of employing people.  More recently the Governnment has confirmed that  the extended Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) and the new Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) initiatives will apply to tourism accommodation. Tourism and coach operators in particular will also benefit from  the recently introduced fuel rebate and small tourism businesses will also benefit from the higher VAT threshold of €1.25 million.

In 2013 the Government will spend almost €140m through its agencies to support the industry, to market tourism at home and abroad and to support product development.  Fáilte Ireland also provides a range of business and training supports to tourism enterprises.

These measures put in place to support tourism helped to contribute to growth of almost 8% in visitor numbers in 2011 and, although visitor numbers only experienced marginal growth in 2012, figures released last week by the CSO showed that spending by visitors to Ireland increased by 4.5% last year to €3.68 billion.  In addition, according to Failte Ireland, the numbers employed in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Ireland is now 185,000, up 5,000 on their previous estimate. 

Finally, as the Deputy is aware, 2013 is the year of the Gathering and this initiative will provide further support for the industry this year as well as a legacy effect for future years.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.