Tourism a key factor in economic revival – Ring

Tourism key to economic revival – Ring


THE important role that tourism can play in contributing to Ireland’s economic revival was stressed by Deputy Michael Ring, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, when he addressed the very-well attended annual meeting of the Westport Tourism Organisation.
“We have in Ireland a fantastic tourism experience for any prospective visitor in terms of top quality accommodation, things to do, places to see and experiences to be had.  It is no accident that Westport leads the way in all of these areas” he said.
The Minister said his goal was to bring a fresh approach and renewed vigour to the country’s marketing efforts both at home and abroad in order to increase visitor numbers.  A tourism marketing fund would be prioritised as an essential pillar of tourism strategy.  Marketing campaigns would be developed in emerging long haul markets such as China, Russia, India, Japan and the Middle East.
Minister Ring said the Government will continue to invest in the development of tourism products through FΡilte Ireland’s Tourism Capital Investment Programme.  Mayo had already seen significant projects funded under this programme, including the Mayo Greenway, the Westport Cycle Hub and the walking route from Westport Quay to Croagh Patrick.
“The Great Western Greenway which starts in Westport is being promoted across all Tourism Ireland markets as part of the organisation’s overseas publicity campaign.    FΡilte Ireland was continuing to engage with Mayo County Council to review all capital projects and identify new ones that would enhance Mayo’s tourism product and encourage more visitors into the county.
Referring to the importance of Ireland West Airport Knock as an access point to the region he said the government would abolish the Travel Tax as part of an overall deal with airlines to restore lost routes.
The Chairman of Westport Tourism Organisation, Mr Christy Madigan, said all the tourism services and providers in the West had a difficult year in 2010 due to the downturn in visitor numbers coming into Shannon and Knock airports and this needed to be addressed by Government as a matter of urgency.
Mr Madigan said the profile of the customer coming to the west was now driven by technology, demographics and changes such as better education, increasing interest in cultural experiences and increasing concern for the environment.  Westport continued to be an ideal location to meet all those visitor requirements.
He said he was very pleased to report that the new website launched by Westport Tourism Organisation in the summer of 2010 had already received in excess of 220,000 hits.  “We intend to conduct a tourism survey in Westport in order to get an up-to-date understanding of the expectations and experiences of visitors to Westport.  I look forward to the cooperation of all relevant bodies and individuals in carrying out this survey.”
Mr Madigan stressed the importance of Westport Golf Club as a component of the Westport tourism product and said the organisation’s 2011 plan included support for
a) The Smarter Travel initiative, b) the restoration of Westport Town Hall, c) the revival of sea angling as a visitor activity, d) support for the work of the Clew Bay Heritage Centre and e) support for Murrisk Development Association on the continued protection of Croagh Patrick and its surrounds.
He added that the organisation would continue to campaign for the upgrading of the N5 road route, for the completion of the Western Rail Corridor, for the abolition of airport levies and for improved mainline rail services to Westport.
“I hope 2011 will be a successful year in whatever section of tourism you belong to and we look forward to continuing to promote Westport as a world-class holiday destination” he said.
Presentations were made to Minister Ring and long-standing WTO member and supporter Fr MicheΡl Mac Gréil to mark his 80th birthday. Master of Ceremonies at the meeting was SeΡn Staunton.