Boost for tipp tourism as rock of cashel makes lonely plant list
Fine Gael TD for Tipperary, Minister Tom Hayes, has
said that the inclusion of the Rock of Cashel in a new Lonely Planet list of
the world’s must see attractions is a significant boost for tourism in
Tipperary.
“The Lonely Planet is a hugely popular and respected voice among international
travellers. The inclusion of the Rock of Cashel in their global ‘bucket list’
of must see attractions is a fantastic recognition which can only bode well for visitor numbers to our county.
“The beauty and allure of the Rock is no secret to people in Tipperary but its
inclusion on the Lonely Planet’s top 500 world attractions will help widen its
appeal nationally and internationally. It is one of only 6 attractions on the
island of Ireland to be included on the Lonely Planet list.
“I know that this will be welcomed by local businesses and people working in the
tourism and hospitality sector. Tourism is one of Ireland’s largest industries,
supporting over 200,000 jobs, and it’s rebounding strongly. Under the Fine Gael
led Government the sector has continued to grow and has been vital in
rebuilding Ireland’s economy.
“The special 9% VAT rate for the tourism industry was introduced by Fine Gael in
2011 to help the sector get back on its feet and it has been a huge success.
Fáilte Ireland research has shown that since the VAT rate was originally cut to
9%, tourism has generated an extra 30,000 jobs.
“Official CSO figures for the first half of 2015 confirm growth of +11.7% in overseas
visitors to Ireland - an additional 407,100 visitors when compared with January
to June 2014.
“We are not going to rest on our laurels. The Government’s recently announced
Tourism Policy statement includes targets of €5 billion in overseas tourism
revenue, an extra 50,000 jobs in the tourism sector and ten million overseas
visits to Ireland, compared to 7.6 million in 2014 by 2025.
“The continued popularity of the Rock of Cashel, which has been bolstered by its
inclusion on the Lonely Planet list, will help ensure that Tipperary benefits
from this increase in tourism to our shores.”