Group aims to revamp tourism

PLANS to sharpen the tourist industry’s competitive edge will be examined today by a high-powered think-tank.

The future of the industry will be discussed at the first meeting of the Government’s advisory group on tourism policy.

Recent reports have shown that the tourism industry is in danger of pricing itself out of the market. Crucially, the advisory committee will come up with recommendations to guide government strategy on the future development of the sector. The expert group was appointed by Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue last month and is headed by tourism chief John Travers. The group includes: * Budget Travel founder Gillian Bowler.

* Gleneagle Hotel’s Patrick O’Donoghue.

* Jurys Doyle Hotel Group’s Pat McCann;

* Bord Fáilte’s Niall

Reddy.

* Tourism Ireland’s Paul O’Toole.

* NTDA’s Shaun Quinn Mr O’Donoghue believes tourism is at a crossroads and faces many challenges. After almost a decade of growth, question marks

remain over competitiveness, quality of service and value for money.