Fáilte Ireland has announced a €10 million fund to support Ireland based inbound agents who package, sell and distribute Ireland's tourism product overseas.
Called the Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme, the fund is open to Republic of Ireland based inbound tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs) and professional conference organisers (PCOs) for applications between now and December 8, 2020.
"A Direct Financial Contribution"
Minister for tourism, arts, culture, sport, Gaeltacht and media Catherine Martin stated, "COVID-19 has had catastrophic implications for the tourism and hospitality sector. With no overseas tourists coming into the country, inbound agents have been seriously impacted. This scheme will provide these businesses with a direct financial contribution to help support them with future operational and business continuity plans."
"Inbound Agents Are Of Critical Importance To The Tourism Industry"
Meanwhile, Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly commented, "Inbound agents are of critical importance to the tourism industry. They are at the very top of the tourism supply chain as they sell Ireland's tourism product abroad and bring overseas visitors into the country, helping to fill our hotels and attractions. Fáilte Ireland developed the Ireland Based Inbound Agents Business Continuity Scheme to help these businesses withstand the impact of COVID-19 and enable them to continue operating through 2021 so we can ensure a pipeline of overseas business into the future."
© 2020 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
