Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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238. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is concerned with the high commission being charged by some accommodation booking engines resulting in tight margins for hoteliers and guest house owners, if he will establish a minimum-commission Fáilte Ireland-administered booking engine to keep money in the Irish economy, and to assist the competitiveness of Irish accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1618/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Given the high proportion of international travel reservations made using the internet, it is important for accommodation providers to maintain an online presence - including through their own websites and through social media.  Accordingly, as part of a suite of training and business supports available to accommodation providers, Fáilte Ireland provides the information and tools to allow businesses to make their own informed marketing and booking choices to take maximum advantage of the market exposure afforded by the internet to drive business.  Approved accommodation providers also feature on the discoverireland.ie and Ireland.com websites where they can list their own website and/or preferred booking engine(s).

Ultimately, the decision to use any particular booking engine or online travel agent is a commercial choice for the accommodation provider.  In this regard, accommodation providers need to take into account the commission rates on rooms sold and the market exposure and flow of business that a particular booking engine/online travel agent may deliver as against the cost of promoting their business directly.

The provision of business supports to tourism businesses including advice on marketing and selling accommodation are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland.  Accordingly, I have asked the agency to reply directly to the Deputy with further detail.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.​