Offices to merge as tourism landscape changes

PLANS to centralise tourism offices around the country are a direct response to the effects of the budget airline phenomenon which is encouraging city breaks, according to tourist chiefs.

A PriceWaterhouse-Coopers report on regional tourism structures, which has been backed by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the regional authorities, is calling for the main administrative and marketing of the regions to be completed by Fáilte Ireland.

Dublin will retain full powers to promote itself as a holiday destination. Five other tourist authorities around the country will hand over the operation of their tourist offices to Fáilte Ireland.