Shane Ross says tourism is the only part of his job where there's 'peace and quiet'
The minister spoke at the launch of a biennial industry awards ceremony.
MINISTER FOR TOURISM Shane Ross has described the hospitality and travel sector as the “third leg” of his portfolio at the launch of next year’s Irish Tourism Industry Awards.
“Tourism is the only leg left where there’s a certain amount of peace and quiet,” Ross said, referencing the looming Dublin Bus stoppages due to commence at 9pm this evening. The south Dublin TD is also responsible for transport and sport.
Addressing the crowd of tourism professionals, the minister said that “the industry is working hard to manage costs while still offering a good value-for-money service.”
A number of reports on the Irish hospitality sector have indicated that hotels in Dublin are seeing prices significantly increase as there is an major shortage of rooms available.
VAT rate
The 9% VAT rate for tourism services has been a point of contention for the industry, with critics arguing that the preferential rate is no longer needed as businesses, particularly hoteliers, return to profit.
However the minister today refused to answer questions from Fora about preserving the VAT rate or plans for the tourism sector in general.
The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC), which organises the industry awards in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, outlined in its pre-budget submission that the retention of the VAT rate is “vital to the regional spread of tourism”.
More than 5.4 million overseas visitors came to Ireland from January to July this year, representing a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2015.
Ross said he expects the sector to continue to grow.
“Despite the Brexit setback, I don’t think tourism is going to take a big dive or that the prophets of doom are right. I think we’re going to go from strength to strength,” he said.
Chairman of the ITIC, Paul Gallagher, echoed Ross’s statements, adding that “we must continue pro-tourism policies. ”
The biennial Irish Tourism Industry Awards are now in their second year. Irish tourism businesses and entrepreneurs are invited to submit entries across a number of categories including ‘best festival experience’ and best ‘adventure experience’. Winners will be announced in February next year.
