Budget boost to Kerry tourism - O’Donoghue

The measures announced to support tourism in the Budget should help bring more tourists back to Kerry, according to Kerry South TD John O’Donoghue. The Minister for Finance has announced that there will be a rise in the tourism budget for 2010 with extra funding for marketing and visitor attractions.

“This is very positive news as tourism is so important for Kerry and the rest of the country,” said Deputy O’Donoghue. “By investing in tourism next year, coupled with the start of an upturn in the global economic fortunes, we should start to see more international visitors come back to Kerry.”

“To capitalise on the upturn it was vital that we increased our marketing efforts to international markets. As a former Minister for Tourism I know all too well that the more you spend in this area the greater impact it will have on attracting visitors. We needed to ensure that Ireland had a visible presence in other countries so that people will keep us in mind when they are deciding on their next foreign holiday destination. That costs money and any increase in the marketing budget will help to drive those efforts in 2010.”

“Additionally there has been a threefold increase of investment in visitor attractions to €22 million for next year. Kerry and Ireland in general has some amazing visitor attractions and it is important to keep investing in them so they appeal to visitors. This is another effort that will bring more tourist revenue into the country.”

“I was also happy to see that Minister Lenihan announced that Fáilte Ireland and Iarnród Éireann are working on a scheme for senior citizens visiting Ireland. Although the details won’t be announced for a few weeks I understand this new programme will see vouchers offered to foreign tourists that will provide greatly discounted rail travel around Ireland.”

“Given the amount of tourists who fly into Dublin this will hopefully allow more tourists to make the trip to Kerry and further boost our local tourism industry.”

“Tourism has a major impact on the local economy in Kerry with thousands of people working in the industry. I know that any increase in tourist numbers will positively impact everyone in the county. We’ve had a difficult year for tourism but hopefully 2010 will see things improve and this funding will no doubt play it’s part,” Deputy O’Donoghue concluded.