Cullen Launches Fáilte Ireland Tourism Briefings In Waterford

On Monday, Martin Cullen T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism attended and addressed the first in a series of nine Fáilte Ireland Tourism Industry briefings which will take place around the country between now and the end of January.

The first briefing, which is for the South East region, was held in Waterford.

Speaking at the event, Minister Cullen said: "Tourism is one of Ireland's most resilient industries. It has a track record of success that has been established over many decades. As we all know, however, it faces a particularly challenging period as we look ahead to 2009."

"The Government, in its recent Budget, consolidated its commitment to tourism, allocating just under €161 million for 2009 including €48.5 million for overseas tourism marketing," he continued. "This substantial investment represents a clear statement of confidence by Government that Irish tourism has a great future and that we will continue to resource its development."

"The key focus from the tourism agencies in 2009 will be on marketing and selling. It is anticipated we will still have approximately seven million visitors into the country this year. There are tourists to target and revenue to be earned."

Minister Cullen emphasized that in relation to how the 2009 marketing allocation is spent, a key priority for Tourism Ireland - the agency which promotes the island of Ireland overseas - is to improve the distribution of tourism to the regions and to undertake significant co-operative marketing campaigns with airlines, ferry companies and air and sea ports.

A major part of Fáilte Ireland's focus in 2009 will be on expanding the home market with a specific marketing campaign to persuade more Irish people to take a break at home.

In excess of €3 million will be invested in a marketing programme incorporating TV, radio, press and outdoor channels to promote awareness of, and interest in taking a break in Ireland.

The key messages will be the convenience and the value of holidaying at home.

Speaking about the South East region, Minister Cullen said: "Here in the South East, as in other regions, Fáilte Ireland is implementing a strategic tourism plan. The plan reflects the very substantial input of all sectors of tourism in the South East through a comprehensive consultation process. Although significant state investment continues to be put in place to support further development of local tourism, the South East still has great untapped potential in tourism and the plan recognises the special potential of the five counties of this region and has some very specific objectives for 2009 - in terms of cultural and activity tourism, festivals and events and family-fun programmes."

In his concluding remarks, the Minister said that the new tourism campus at Waterford Institute of Technology provides a: "tremendous resource to support and underpin the further expansion of tourism in this region."