11 May 2011
The Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce has today welcomed the Government's announcement to assist and revitalize the tourism sector, which includes measures such as the reduction in tourism VAT rates, a reduction in employers PRSI and the abolition of the €3 travel tax for inbound visitors.
Tourism is crucial to Kerry, Killarney in particular, and it is a positive sign that the Government is finally recognising the importance of this industry to the country's economy. Yesterday's announcement is one of most substantial initiatives supporting the tourism industry in recent times.
Chamber president Tom Randles stated "This is a real boost for our industry in Kerry as well as an improvement in tourism in our country and clearly benefits all business even those not directly related to tourism".
Although welcoming the announcement Tom Randles also stated "While all these factors in terms of price are very important it is vital that the Government not only maintains its current marketing spend on advertising Ireland but grows its spend and becomes more efficient in how the agencies use these funds".
Infrastructure also continues to be an issue; in particular the lack of flights into Kerry and the reduction in frequency on the Dublin/Kerry route. Tom Randles continued "Better value products certainly help but if people do not know about us or find it too hard to get here it will be wasted".
The Chamber president also urged businesses to reduce their prices and pass the savings on to customers once the new rates come into effect.
The new measures outlined by the Government, which also include simpler visa processes for visitors to the country and a review of the Joint Labour Committee, have also been welcomed by the Irish Hotels Federation and other tourism groups.
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