Cullen Acknowledges Hospitality Sector's Support To Irish Tourism

Martin Cullen T.D., the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism attended an event at the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, Dublin last week to mark the publication of a report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland entitled "The Contribution of the Drinks Industry to Irish Tourism," authored by Anthony Foley, Economist at Dublin City University Business School.

Speaking at the Distillery, a popular tourist trail attraction in Dublin, Minister Cullen said: "Tourism is the largest indigenous Irish industry and the hospitality sector makes a significant contribution to the way in which tourism supports the Irish economy.

"This country's extensive network of public houses provide facilities and services for tourists and contributes to the tourism experience in a significant manner.

"I know from research conducted for the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland that 95% of pubs provide food, 35% provide live entertainment and 14% provide entertainment specifically for tourists."

The Minister added: "Fáilte Ireland research shows that 45% of overseas tourists rate traditional music as a very important determinant of choosing Ireland as a holiday location.

"As popular traditional music venues, pubs provide visitors with memorable cultural experiences as well as providing a unique environment in which visitors can meet and converse with local people.

"Visitors who come here want to become immersed in our living culture particularly music and dance and will seek out the traditional Irish pub.

"We have a long, proud tradition and an international reputation in brewing and distilling," he continued, "and that heritage is shared with visitors at venues like the Guinness Storehouse and the Old Jameson Distillery which rank among the most popular visitor attractions in the country.

"Other industry visitor attractions on the island include the Jameson Experience in Cork, Locke's Distillery in Kilbeggan, the Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre and the Bushmill's Distillery in Antrim."

Minister Cullen also acknowledged the support of the industry to Irish festivals and sporting occasions: "As well as enhancing the visitor experience, the drinks industry also supports festivals and events - key drivers of local tourism.

"While almost €4m is invested by Fáilte Ireland directly in supporting festivals around the country, in addition to assistance from the Arts Council, there is also considerable support given by the drinks industry to many of these festivals. Cultural and sporting events are all beneficiaries of support and sponsorship from the hospitality sector."

Minister Cullen added: "The drinks industry also benefits from its links with tourism. Manufacturers, distributors and retailers of drinks products all gain significantly from tourism.

"As your report this evening shows, more than a third of expenditure by overseas visitors is on food and drink, the highest category of all tourist spending."