Andrew Doyle, TD for Fine Gael and Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture Food and the Marine, has welcomed the launch of the Governments new tourism policy, ‘People, Place, and Policy- Growing Tourism 2015’
“‘People, Place and Policy’ focuses on our two principal tourism strengths – namely, the welcoming qualities of Ireland’s people and the unique and spectacular place that visitors experience when they come here. We have looked at Irish tourism through the lens of People and Place, and devised a Policy that builds on our innate strengths as a tourism destination, while preparing ourselves for what the future will bring.”
“The new tourism strategy targets €5 billion in revenue from 10 million overseas visits by 2025. This will benefit Co.Wicklow hugely as it has so much to offer tourists, as it is close to Dublin City and Airport; it’s on the coast, scenic walks mountain trails and an international world renowned destination. We have a wealth of other attractions including gardens, golf, historical and cultural such as and Wicklow Gaol and Killruddery Estate to name but a few.”
In the People strand of this framework, it is focused on those who work in the tourism sector and how the experience of the tourists can be improved through interaction with the general community. It is important that the people working in the tourism sector have the training and skills to take advantage of this strategy and maximise the experience of the tourists.
The Place element of this plan is focused on making destinations, such as Wicklow, a desirable place to visit and inspiring people to travel here. It is crucial to enhance the visitor’s experience during their visit through protecting the cultural and natural assets of our county, as well as having festivals and other events to capitalise on this strategy.
“The target for Irish tourism is to enable employment in the sector to rise to 250,000 jobs. This will have a very significant impact for the people in Co. Wicklow. There is so much to offer tourists here in Wicklow, and we are well placed to benefit from this new 10 year policy” concluded Deputy Doyle.