Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten has welcomed Fáilte Ireland’s decision to examine how to revitalise cruise tourism over the next ten years.
Fáilte Ireland will carry out a study to examine how the sector can be developed along the River Shannon, by investigating the feasibility of renewing the cruise fleet which has halved over the past 40 years.
The study will provide recommendations on new cruise hire base locations and berthing along the Shannon Navigation and Shannon Erne Waterways.
Deputy Denis Naughten said that the final report will explore opportunities for further diversification of the sector.
This will include identifying new domestic and international market opportunities and approaches to drive revenue growth, particularly during the off-season.
It will also look at options for operators to develop new product offerings, such as ecotourism and day boat hire.
