Written answers

Thursday, 29 September 2022

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Tourism Promotion

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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45. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the Invitation initiative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47507/22]

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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Whilst the tourism sector continues to emerge from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is also important that we plan for further recovery and rebuilding. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to develop a new tourism initiative to aid recovery in the sector. This new initiative will seek to promote and build on the warmth of our welcome, the beauty of our landscape and the richness of our culture. 

Similarly, the Tourism Recovery Plan 2020-2023 includes a recommendation to develop a Global Invitation programme to stimulate international demand. There is no doubt that a project of this nature will provide a much needed boost in overseas visitors and strong reconnections with diaspora groups.

To that end, my officials, in consultation with the tourism agencies, began this year the conceptual development process and consideration is also being given as to the most opportune timeframe for delivery to ensure that this initiative will help to galvanise the tourism response overseas and boost resilience in the sector.

€5 million in additional funding was secured in Budget 2022 to begin preparations for this project. This funding has been utilised by the tourism agencies for a range of preparatory work including concept development, consumer/trade/industry research, creative development, content capture and enhanced programme development.

A further €5 million has been secured in Budget 2023 to continue the development of this initiative and to bring it to life in as effective a manner as a possible. I hope to bring proposals to Government in the coming weeks outlining my ambition for this project and providing further detail on the work underway. I firmly believe that this project will provide an excellent opportunity to aid the recovery in multiple sectors that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

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