Hoteliers: Govt must prioritise tourism
Tourism must be at the forefront of Government policy as the country strives to come out of the recession, according to the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).
In response to today’s report by An Bord Snip Nua, John Power, Chief Executive of the IHF called on the Government to ensure that the tourism sector retains its status as a major industry within the enterprise sector.
"We fundamentally disagree with the proposed reductions in tourism marketing spend outlined in the report. Effective marketing is key to the future success of Irish tourism. In addressing the challenges that lie ahead, greater funding is essential rather than reductions.
"Any reduction in this funding will result in a corresponding decline in industry performance and exchequer receipts."
"Last year, tourism earned €4.8bn in foreign exchange earnings and represented 4% if GNP employing some 200,000 people. Given the current difficult economic conditions, we need tourism to be supported and expanded not eroded."
"In the past, every €1 spent on tourism marketing yielded €15 in tourism revenue," said Mr Power.
