Shane Ross has been named Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the new Cabinet announced by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has welcomed the appointment of the Independent Deputy, who succeeds Paschal Donohoe.
The IHF said 'given tourism's position as the country’s largest indigenous employer, Minister Ross will play an important role in ensuring that national policies are focused on supporting and developing this vital industry during the term of the new Government'.
IHF President, Joe Dolan, commented: "We look forward to working with Minister Ross to ensure tourism achieves a sustained recovery, building on the significant progress made over the last five years – during which time the industry has created over 33,000 new jobs.”
"The recovery in tourism has been supported by a range of targeted Government measures that have had an enormously positive impact on the industry,” added Dolan. "Continued growth in tourism cannot be taken for granted however. Our industry is only at the early stage of recovery following the downturn and further progress is needed before it reaches its full potential as an engine of growth and job creation."
