Gathering of 2013 could be repeated as part of tourism action plan, says Donohoe

Consideration is being given to a repeat of the 2013 Gathering, Minister for Tourism Paschal Donohoe has said.

To boost tourism numbers and generate business at the time, the diaspora was encouraged by the Government to return to Ireland for local events and gatherings.

Mr Donohoe told the Seanad that a new policy objective would be to support events weighted towards offsetting the seasonal nature of tourism. The Government would examine closely a repeat of the Gathering and the scope for other themed events in a tourism action plan to be drawn up, he said.

“However, we recognise that the many commemorations of critical events in our history over the coming years are not primarily focused on tourism. Rather, they are occasions to remember, but on which we will also look to the future with confidence,’’ the Minister added.

Inspiring people to visit

Mr Donohoe said that creating a desire to experience Ireland as a place, and thus inspiring people to visit, was at the core of Ireland’s overseas tourism marketing.

He said the number of overseas visitors had increased every year since 2011. Last year, he said, there were 7.6 million overseas visitors, who contributed an estimated €3.5 billion to the Irish economy.

He said that this year’s picture was very positive, with more than three million visits in the first five months, an increase of 12.1 per cent on the same period last year.

“This represents an additional 329,800 visitors from around the world,’’ Mr Donohoe added.

The Minister said the increase in overseas visitors – and, more importantly, the increase in overseas visitor revenue – would have a direct impact on tourism employment numbers.

“Our goal is to create an additional 50,000 jobs in the sector,’’ he added.

“These are additional jobs that will support families and communities in every part of Ireland.’’