Tourism review group concludes inaugural meeting

The first meeting of the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group has taken place.

The body - which is charged with marketing the island of Ireland as a tourist destination - will make its recommendations to the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O'Donoghue.

Speaking today, O'Donoghue said :"The effective roll out of the Tourism Action Plan will go a long way, not only to further developing the industry but also to asserting its valuable contribution to the national economy."

It is estimated that Tourism generates over €4bn in annual foreign revenue earnings and accounts for 140,000 jobs.

When earnings from domestic tourism are included, the overall value of the industry increases to €5bn.

It is estimated that the Government earned as much as €2.3bn through taxation of tourism expenditure in VAT, excise duties and income tax receipts.