The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
IHF shocked at lack of a ‘Tourism Dept’
THE Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) says it is shocked that tourism has not been given its own Government department.
IHF president Elaina Fitzgerald Kane said the hotel lobby group’s members are “shocked and deeply disappointed” that tourism has been included in a “six-faceted portfolio” and is not served by a dedicated tourism ministry.
“We would have expected tourism to have been included at least within an economic or business portfolio or had its own ministry instead of being part of a multifaceted portfolio. This is a time when commitment to tourism should have been strengthened and not diluted,” she said.
“Our industry is in the midst of a devastating economic crisis, and it is essential that everything possible is done to address the severe challenges we face and safeguard the livelihoods of the almost 270,000 people whose jobs are supported by tourism. 70 per cent of these jobs are outside of Dublin, so the regional economic and social impact is enormous,” said Ms Fitzgerald Kane.
“This requires an urgent policy response, and we are committed to working closely with the incoming government and Minister Catherine Martin to ensure tourism is not left behind.”