Regional assembly seeks tourism review

The Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly has called for a fundamental review of tourism policy following the downturn in the Irish tourism sector in recent years.

The assembly said its submission to the Tourism Policy Review Group calls for a major public awareness campaign and the development of integrated packages and niche produces to attract visitors back to the BMW region.

It also recommends speedier decisions on grant applications submitted to Bord Failte under the current tourism programme and a greater role for regional tourism organisations in the development and appraisal of project proposals.