A Conversation with the Minister
Mary Hanafin TD was appointed Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport in March of this year, and her appointment was widely welcomed.
She arrived at a time when the Industry had gone through one of its most difficult years ever, and just when it might have looked as if things were on the turn, along came the volcanic ash.
But the Minister is noted for her resilience, enthusiasm and hard work, qualities which are shared with many in the Tourism Industry.
Six months on, Minister Hanafin spoke with ITIC about her impressions of the Industry then and now. Click on the image below to hear what she had to say.
If you would like to comment on anything you’ve heard here, leave a comment below!
September 6th 2010
September 8th, 2010 at 8:36 am
The CSO issue was flagged at the First National Tourism Policy Forum in Dromoland in May and it is a manpower issue. One wonders how a business would survive if it eliminated its accountant in the eye of the storm! With so many unemployed could government not have been creative and supply CSO with enumerators/field personnel to collect the data?
The worrying aspect of government is the length of time it is taking to grasp the real economy issues and produce solutions for tourism sme’s. policy matters are none better with the Regional Tourism Authoriries in limbo. The Shannon RTO has not met since February and its Chairman has had no contact regarding its Future.
The Minister states that she has anecdotal evidence of a good summer in Dublin. That would not be the case in the Mid West where the region has been effectively been side lined and abandoned by Failte Ireland as they spend heavy money on promoting the other regions. Expect more depressing tourism slump statistitics from Clare/Limerick and North Tipp this year.
Aviation policy has lef Shannon Airport struggling to find business as they are hm strung into a business model that expects an airport to make profit in a recession while taxing any poor soul that decides to travel to and from the Airport. Now the DAA has slapped a 33% increase on passengers, reportedly without even consulting the Airport’s board in advance. Does all this inspire confidence ? Bon Mots are fine but action will be much appreciated from this quarter !!!