About The Tenth Annual Tourism Policy Workshop 2019
Full Tourism Policy Workshop Brochure 2019
When we began the workshop in 2010 at the worst of the economic crisis the tourism industry was in a very depressed state: overseas tourism arrivals had collapsed from the peak of 7.7 million in 2007 with revenue of €3.9bilion to 5.9 million arrivals and €3billion in revenue. A loss of 1.7 million visitors and the associated revenue loss of €1 billion was obviously an outcome of the financial crisis but in essence the loss of competitiveness in all forms had begun much earlier. In subsequent years to 2018 it is heartening to record the overseas tourism numbers have increased by 61% and real revenue by circa 70% with spectacular growth from all markets. Such an outcome was achieved by great effort and collaboration by both private and public stakeholders and we’d like to hope that some of the more enlightened policy developments were in some way influenced by the issues raised at the policy workshops. Of course, the industry is now operating in a very precarious environment with significant geo political and rising trade tensions across the world, a macroeconomic background that is uncertain and may become far worse if a “Hard Brexit” unfolds. As such, we need to develop policies that will allow Irish tourism to continue to prosper, even if the headwinds are challenging and uncertain.
The workshop has consistently debated issues of concern to the development of tourism in Ireland and how best we can develop policies for issues that will emerge to challenge our thinking. The 10th anniversary workshop will review issues that emerged over the last 10 years that we can learn from and will focus on strategic ideas and policies that will be vital in the years ahead. Over the coming months I will announce speakers and issues for discussion but please feel free to contact me should you wish to suggest a speaker or topic.
I am delighted that Dromoland Castle has again offered such favourable terms for the workshop and we will of course have a wide variety of national and international speakers. The workshop is a “not for profit event” and if ever a small surplus does arise it will be used to contribute to a scholarship scheme for disadvantaged students.
Contact:
Jim Deegan – jim.deegan@ul.ie
DROMOLAND 2019 