Minister announces group to drive tourism industry

The Tourism Minister Mary Hanafin has announced a new group that will take charge of driving competitiveness in the industry.

The timely announcement coincides with new figures which show the number of tourists coming here continues to fall.

The number of trips here from overseas dropped by more than a fifth in May, compared to the same month last year.

Minister Hanafin said the Renewal Implementation Group will oversee measures to support tourism, and ensure it is ready for recovery and growth.

She is to chair the group herself, and the other members include representatives from her department, and also across the industry itself.