O’Donoghue pledges action to save tourism industry

Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue has expressed concern over a confidential report which shows that dramatic price rises have left the Irish tourism industry seriously uncompetitive.

The report, commissioned by the Irish Tourist Industry Federation, says growth in the sector has stalled and future development is threatened by price increases which are already exceeding the rate of inflation.

Minister O’Donoghue vowed to take action to offset the trend and to ensure the survival of the tourism industry.

“It will have a major adverse affect on Irish tourism unless we ensure that our prices stay competitive, unless we offer value for money,” he said.

“There is no crisis at the present time, but we are at a cross-roads, this report is a wake-up call and it’s time for us to ensure that we respond to that call.”