O’Donoghue calls for review of tourism sector
Announcing the review, Mr O'Donoghue said that falling visitor numbers over the past two seasons meant the industry faced a more turbulent environment in which continuing growth could not be taken for granted.
He said it was more than a decade since the industry had been scrutinised and visitor numbers had doubled.
The minister said the fall-out from the September 11 attacks and the foot and mouth epidemic could not mask growing concerns about prices and quality.
He also said the industry needed to sharpen its competitive edge and become more innovative to capitalise on the 4.3bn investment in the sector over the last decade.
Mr O'Donoghue said he would ask his departmental officials to lead a review of the sector in consultation with trade representatives, with the help of external consultants.
The Government is supervising the greatest changes in the industry as part of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which agreed to market the entire island as one holiday destination. Legislation is expected to set up a National Tourism Development Authority, which will merge the roles of Bord Failte and catering training agency CERT.
“These new agencies need an updated and dynamic policy orientation for their work,” Mr O'Donoghue said.
He said he was concerned that Ireland’s share of the European market, with 370 million people, was low.
He said Ireland had to push itself as a destination with the widest possible variety to offer visitors.
