Tourism

Roscommon/South Leitrim has massive potential to increase it share of tourism revenue from what is now an estimated €52 million/ per year.  While this might sound like an impressive figure it pales into insignificance when compared to the €430 million that Galway earns. It would be naïve to think that one could match that figure locally but what it does show is the potential for an area if it develops its tourism industry correctly.

We have the ingredients for massive growth in this sector.  When it comes to access we have two train lines and we are also only a short distance from Knock airport. We have any amount of properties to let for accommodation.  We have a willing and able work force only delighted to service tourism.  Most importantly, WE DO have a product.  We have the longest border with the Shannon.  We have umpteen lakes suitable for fishing, shooting, boating, kayaking and swimming.   We have eight golf courses.    We have numerous walking & cycling routes.  When it comes to archaeology and historical tourism there is no where else in the country with such potential.

Every €30,000 of extra revenue earned by the industry creates one new job directly.   If this area was to reach one third the capacity of the Galway tourism market then we would be looking at increase revenue to the area of over €90 million.  This translates into increased employment of circa 3000 people.  This will not be an easy task but it can be achieved if a well thought out strategy is devised.  We have the right ingredients. Now let’s make it work.

One thing that the next government must do is to remove all Airport charges and Taxes as they are self defeating.  If we want to get money from tourists then one is better to get them into the country first.  Then we can start earning some real money from them.  We get nothing from them if we scare them away before they even book their flights.