National tourism development authority Fáilte Ireland and tourism marketing body Tourism Ireland have both welcomed the allocation of additional funding to their organisations in Budget 2020.
Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly stated, "The allocation in Budget 2020 of €40 million for the tourism industry in a no-deal Brexit scenario is a significant investment. This will allow us to intensify our work to develop and support the tourism sector while also enhancing Ireland's appeal as a tourist and conference destination.
"We also acknowledge the €7 million supplementary tourism fund provided by government for the remainder of 2019. We will immediately use the €1 million allocation to Fáilte Ireland to support tourism businesses along the border counties.
"It is worth noting that Fáilte Ireland's operating budget was increased last year by just over €7 million by government and this allowed us to provide more business supports, investment and mentoring, particularly along the border counties, as we help prepare the sector for Brexit.
"This increase also enabled us to create new domestic campaigns such as Taste the Island - an all-island food and drink initiative. Fáilte Ireland's Budget 2020 allocation, announced by ministers Shane Ross and Brendan Griffin this [week], ensures the momentum behind our work this year can continue as the 2019 increase in our operating budget has been maintained into 2020.
“In addition to the current budget allocation, Fáilte Ireland’s capital allocation this year was significant, and this has also been increased for 2020 by €8 million. 28 new and enhanced visitor attractions opened across the country following Fáilte Ireland investment of almost €19 million. A further 15 are due to open in 2020 through our capital allocation.
"The €38 million funding directed to the aviation sector in Budget 2020, particularly for regional airports, is to be warmly welcomed. Access is the bedrock of the tourism sector so this is a significant announcement for tourism combined with the allocation for greenways, cycling infrastructure and for Ryder Cup 2026 preparations.
“All of this investment by government is welcome given the very serious challenges ahead for the tourism industry. The overall softening of outbound tourism from our major markets and increased cost pressures combined with the impact of Brexit are real challenges that the tourism industry now face."
Tourism Ireland Statement
Meanwhile, welcoming the additional €6 million in funding allocated to Tourism Ireland in this year's budget, Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons stated, "We very much welcome the additional €6 million which has been allocated to Tourism Ireland to be used for promotional campaigns between now and the end of 2019. The additional funding will allow us to roll out strong end-of-year campaigns, which will deliver a message of reassurance to prospective visitors around the world.
"Our Brexit research indicates a heightened risk of consumers postponing trips due to uncertainty. This funding will also complement our existing programme of activity for Q4, allowing us to undertake kick-start campaigns in our key markets to position us well for 2020.
"We also welcome the announcement of a separate fund of €40 for tourism, in the event of a no-deal Brexit. We hope that this fund won't be necessary, but it demonstrates the government's continued commitment to Irish tourism in these extraordinary times."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
