Roads network crucial to regional tourism drive, say hoteliers

TRANSPORT infrastructure in the regions needs to urgently upgraded if the downward spiral in regional tourism is to be halted, according to the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).

The IHF has called on the Government to fast-track sections of its Transport 21 programme that relate to the regions - or risk putting the tourist industry’s growth in jeopardy.

The federation highlighted the planned Atlantic road corridor as the most urgent project as it could “facilitate the movement of visitors around Ireland quickly and easily”.

IHF chief executive John Power said tourism outside Dublin has been in steady decline for six years, despite an overall increase in overseas visitors.

“Bed nights by overseas visitors outside Dublin have fallen by 9.2 million since 1999. The decline in the ‘brought car’ market from the UK, in particular, is of great concern.

“We must ensure that Ireland does not solely become a city break destination for overseas visitors, but preserves and grows its regional tourism offering.

“The ideal scenario is one whereby a visitor can access any major tourist centre within three hours from an airport or car ferry,” he said.

Commenting on the Minister for Transport’s plans to commence 39 road projects this year, and his commitment to upgrade the road sign system, Mr Power said “the current national road network is sub-standard compared to other European countries, with many visitors having great difficulty navigating their way around the country due to poor signage”.

At its annual conference at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin yesterday, the IHF also stressed the need for an annual €10 million marketing fund for the Shannon region - so that the area could absorb the expected loss in earnings when the Shannon stopover ends.

The need to resuscitate regional tourism was also underlined by incoming president Annette Devine, from Tramore, Co Waterford, who was elected at the AGM.

“Rural areas continue to be almost totally reliant on the domestic market.

“In some regions, hotels and guesthouses rely on the domestic market for 70%-80% of their business, while in Dublin domestic business accounts for about 34% of business,” she said.

“The reality is that the market doesn’t owe us a living - the onus is on us, the industry, to pull together and tackle this challenge head on,” she said.