The directors of Fáilte Ireland the National Tourism Development Authority have met with representatives of Aer Lingus and Ryanair to discuss issues relating to air travel and access and its effects on Irish tourism.

The seven-member group to oversee the implementation of the initial two-year action plan for Irish Tourism has been announced.

The Government has begun the process of establishing the long-awaited National Conference Centre in Dublin.

THE tourism sector can double its value to the economy to €6 billion by 2012 and increase visitor numbers from six million to 10 million, according to a major new report.

The Irish Hotels Federation has welcomed the Tourism Policy Review Group report into the future of Irish tourism.

THE tourism industry will be told to offer greater value for money tomorrow in a Government report aimed at reviving the ailing sector.

The Hotels Federation is calling on the Government to take real action to reduce inflation, which is being described as the biggest threat to the tourism industry.

A NEW national tourism development authority to replace Bord Fáilte and CERT will be formally established later this month with Gillian Bowler as chairwoman.

The Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly has called for a fundamental review of tourism policy following the downturn in the Irish tourism sector in recent years.