Written answers

Tuesday, 24 April 2018

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Tourism Industry

Photo of Hildegarde NaughtonHildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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42. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the outlook for tourism in 2018; the performance to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17757/18]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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After a number of very successful years, indications are that 2018 will prove to be another good year for tourism in Ireland.

The early signs are promising, with the CSO reporting in its Overseas Travel release that overseas trips to Ireland for the first two months of the year, at almost 1.2 million visits, were up 7.9% on 2017, as follows:

- Visits from North America were up by 4.2%

- Visits from Mainland Europe were up by 17.6%

- Great Britain registered an increase of 4.0% in visits, and

- Visits from the rest of the world (long-haul) decreased by -3.8%.

While the data only covers two months and it is too early to predict how the rest of the year might fare, it is a welcome start which indicates that we are well placed to build further on the outstanding growth of recent years. Overseas visitor numbers for March are due to be published by the CSO later this week and overseas revenue and domestic figures for Q1 will be published in June.

The Government continues to offer strong support to the industry, as demonstrated most recently by Fáilte Ireland’s launch of the new brand for the Midlands, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.  An additional €2 million has been invested in Tourism Ireland this year to support its digital marketing infrastructure.  This investment recognises the fact that we are operating in a hugely competitive international marketplace in which it is vital that Ireland maintains a strong presence.

Despite positive visitor numbers from Britain in early 2018, Brexit continues to be a concern for tourism. The tourism agencies are keeping a very close eye on developments in the British market. Nevertheless, it highlights the importance of market diversification as we continue to attract greater numbers of visitors from European, North American and long-haul destinations. The inaugural direct flights from China, due to commence in June, will be vital in exploiting the potential of this massive market.

We cannot be complacent about continued growth in tourism. We must aim to deliver growth which is sustainable, from an economic, social and environmental perspective. This is something that will be considered further in the preparation of a revised Tourism Action Plan under the stewardship of the Tourism Leadership Group.

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