The new Irish government is to introduce a number of key measures to boost tourism in 2011 and beyond.
Air travel tax rate is to be abolished in a move that is hoped will bring about a significant increase in overseas visitors. This measure is subject to an agreement being reached with the airlines to bring in additional passenger numbers.
Part of a major jobs initiative it is one of a number of approaches being taken to revitalize, not only the tourism industry, but the Irish economy as a whole. The cost of this measure is likely to be around €15 million in 2011, €90 million in 2012 and €105 million thereafter.
The second major announcement is that the Irish government is to introduce a new reduced VAT rate for tourism related goods and services. Slashing VAT from 13.5% to 9%, the new rate will apply mainly to restaurant and catering services, hotel and holiday accommodation and various entertainment services such as admissions to cinemas, theatres, museums, fairgrounds, amusement parks and sporting facilities. This measure is estimated to cost €350 million per year.
Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Enda Kenny “The purpose of this targeted VAT relief is to boost tourism and stimulate employment in the sector and I am confident that it will give the tourism sector a much needed shot in the arm.
Overall, our tourism products are very strong. In addition to Ireland’s natural attractions, we have a wide range of high quality accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering accommodation and hostels, to suit all tastes and budgets.”
Mr. Kenny continued “We offer a wide range of sporting and recreational facilities and events. Culture and heritage, golf, angling, walking, cycling and equestrian pursuits are all easily accessible. In recent years, holidaying in Ireland has become more affordable. These are some of the many advantages which we must harness in order to improve visitor satisfaction and to increase the number of people from overseas who choose Ireland as their holiday destination.”
Other elements of the new jobs initiative include a scheme of discounts on airport charges, which has been agreed by the State airports in consultation with the Irish Minister for Transport and the airlines. Also, a new tourism marketing campaign will begin which will be particularly focused on Ireland’s major source markets such as the US.
These announcements come as Ireland prepares to take center stage with historic state visits this weeks from Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and US President Barack Obama. Thousands of well wishers will line the streets for a series of ceremonial events in Dublin, Cork and Co Offaly. The two heads of state are expected to receive the warmest of welcomes.
Mr. Joe Byrne, Executive Vice President, Tourism Ireland North America “We are delighted that both President Obama and Queen Elizabeth II have chosen to visit Ireland. We have a great relationship, both with our friends here in the US, and our near neighbors in the UK, and we look forward to showing some great Irish hospitality to our two very special guests.”
Mr. Byrne continued “2011 is an especially exciting year for tourism on the island of Ireland. Not only do we have the fantastic state visits, but a number of other great events will also be taking place such as the centenary of the launch of Titanic in Belfast, the celebrations in Dublin marking its recent honoring as a UNESCO city of literature and, of course, the Solheim Cup at the Killeen Castle in Co Meath.”
Tourism is one of the largest indigenous industries in Ireland and nearly one million visitors travel every year from North America.
****Courtesy of Discover Ireland
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.joycean | Jun 25, 2011, 10:08 AM EDT
Great points here! I see I am not alone in complaining about Irish car rental! Americans really need automatic cars.With right side driving, and terrible, narrow Irish back streets, a stick is just impossible. But with insurance, the cost is outrageous. anywhere else in Europe is half the cost. I also was very put off by the attitudes. It is a big mistake to identify yourself as an American or worse,"Irish-American." You know, Europeans are visiting America? I've run into a number, much to my surprise.With the euro to dollar rate, our prices are a good deal and everything is cheaper here.There are lots of great places to visit, and Americans are genuinely helpful and friendly, nothing fake about it.In my entire life I've only known one person who's been to all 50 states, so we all have plenty to see at home.
diski11 | May 30, 2011, 11:56 PM EDT
Its a start, but automatic car rentals with insurance is truly astronomical. THAT would be the deciding factor for me- reduced rates, or true 'specials' with insurance for an extended stay would be the deciding factor for me. I was going to go this summer, but prices were way to high for car and air. Hopefully next year things will be more reasonable
DLW12183 | May 23, 2011, 09:36 AM EDT
Until air fares come down, or the Irish put together some great travel packages including air fare, only the rich will be coming. I intended to bring our family this year (4 adults and 2 children) but $7,000.00 in air fare canceled the trip.
Truthfully... | May 23, 2011, 06:46 AM EDT
Furthermore, there is NO need to advertise for tourism in Ireland, because E 150,000,000 have been ...royally AND ...presidentially saved (MINUS their security!!!) with the so-called "FREE" publicity of their visits. Phew!!! / Now, for those who do decide to VISIT, make sure to bring a HEAVY wallet, because it is an EXPENSIVE country (although you may find some good restaurant/ pub/ hotel deals). / People here are more polite and ...FAKE-friendly to unassuming TOURISTS, who are expected to part with their hard-earned MONEY (especially now with the recession). / The main 'Disneyland'-style attraction here is always Guinness BEER-related. / Of course, nothing can be done about the UNPREDICTABLE weather (bright one minute, some rain the next, but it is usually overcast) with cold, especially at night, to chilly to moderate temperatures, throughout the year. It is 9 degrees Celsius / 47 degrees Farenheit --- right NOW --- at the end of May!!!!!!
greensod | May 22, 2011, 03:28 PM EDT
If what the hotel operators did by doubling room rates during the soccer game played in the new stadium in Cork is any indication of the way visitors are going to be treated in Ireland, then I would advise all Americans and Irish living in America to avoid Ireland.It appears that Ireland is infected with a terrible desease called greed.Until this is cured at all contact with tourists and the Government insures that the gouging stops and the prices are brought back in line with the rest of Europe the only people that can afford Ireland are people like the queen, president Obama and the pope.
Trealach | May 22, 2011, 03:15 PM EDT
"Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Enda Kenny “The purpose of this targeted VAT relief is to boost tourism and stimulate employment in the sector and I am confident that it will give the tourism sector a much needed shot in the arm." Ummm, wasn't THAT supposed to be the PURPOSE of Inviting the British Monarch? ROFLMAO
annedo12 | May 22, 2011, 03:15 PM EDT
The only way to increase US tourists to Ireland is reduce the airfares, they are extremely high and people with families cannot afford the fares they are charging.
Nelsonbarry | May 22, 2011, 02:57 PM EDT
I agree with Jim32312. The last two summers when I went over it cost me $100.00 a day just for an insured automatic car. First time 18 days $1800.00. That plus air fare plus hotel plus petrol plus food. $5000.00 for 18 days. A Little high. Seeing Ireland by car is the only way to go. How about a little break on the insurance?
jim32312 | May 22, 2011, 10:31 AM EDT
Cheaper rental cars with automatic transmissions would make Ireland more attractive to US visitors
simplesandy | May 22, 2011, 09:45 AM EDT
what I would like to see is America opening it's doors to Ireland and giving them a free pass into America. I know there were alot of blood sweat and tears from all nations to build up America but the Irish were there also. and the fact that my Irish b/f would love to live in America and pay taxes and work would help lol. he is self employed. well I'm just a tryin .let's see how much America loves Ireland. OPEN YOUR DOORS ..Let the Irish in !!!