Written answers

Thursday, 17 November 2022

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Tourism Industry

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

167. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she is in dialogue with the tourism sector; the extent to which particular areas of concern have been identified by the sector; her proposals for any remedial action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57209/22]

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste and I co-chair the Hospitality and Tourism Forum which facilitates discussion of key issues with the tourism and hospitality sectors. Most recently the forum met ahead of Budget 2023 and subsequently officials from my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment met with the forum to hear the views of the sectors following the announcement of the Budget measures. Officials of my Department also participate in regular meetings, convened by the tourism agencies, with tourism sector representatives.

While 2022 has seen a strong recovery in tourism activity I am continuing to direct very significant resources to support the sustainable recovery of the sector. In Budget 2023, I secured an additional €15 million for overseas marketing of Ireland. The Budget also contains an additional €15 million for a range of industry initiatives including €3 million for a continuation of the investment in skills development and retention which is critical as there are significant employment challenges faced by tourism businesses in attracting talent, assisting skills development and retaining staff. Additionally, a €2 million increase in funding for domestic marketing will continue to promote Ireland’s tourism offering to Irish holidaymakers.

I have also secured additional long-term funding of €3 million for the hosting of the American College Football Classic every August out to 2026 and €3 million to allow Fáilte Ireland to continue its work in the area of sustainability. Other allocations include €36.5 million in capital funding for tourism product development for the continued delivery of enhanced visitor experiences in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021-2030.

Finally, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme administered by the Revenue Commissioners will provide support in this winter period to accommodation providers and hotels that have experienced a significant increase in their natural gas and electricity costs.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.