Self Catering Industry

04/07/2012 12:29:19

Dáil Question
No: 86

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to support the self catering industry which has come under increasing financial pressure due to the introduction of the non principal private residence charge and household charges and which is struggling to compete with the National Assets Management Agency hotels; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
- Mattie McGrath.

Ref No:
32392/12

Answered by the Minister of State for Sports and Tourism
Michael Ring

REPLY

The Question relates to support for the self catering industry.  In general, support for the Self Catering and other accommodation sectors are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland.  However, I understand that in order to help support the development of the sector, Fáilte Ireland undertook a review of Self Catering during 2011. The ‘New Vision for the Irish Self Catering Sector’ report was produced as a result of this review and it included recommendations regarding sustainability, development opportunities, marketing and branding, quality standards and capacity building. The identification of potential supports to assist the Self Catering sector also forms an integral element of the report. 
An Industry Implementation Group was established in January 2012 and a number of the recommendations have been implemented including a new brand concept, improved domestic and international marketing communications, a revised classification scheme to include a 5 star option and a revised categorisation scheme, whereby operators can promote their property as Walkers Welcome, Family Friendly etc. A new Self Catering operator development programme will commence this Autumn and will include modules such as social media, cost control and pricing strategies.
Full details of the initiatives have been provided to the sector at a series of Self Catering Sector Workshops, which commenced in Donegal Town on 18 June.  Invitations to these workshops were issued to all Fáilte Ireland approved operators.

04/07/2012 12:29:19