Sir, - I refer to the article "God's weather and prices blamed for tourism slump" (The Irish Times, July 25th). While I agree that the weather and the growth in supply, especially in the unregulated, black-economy, Government-supported, unapproved bed and breakfast sector, have affected the tourism sector this year, I must take exceptional issue with Mr Jim Mitchell's remarks that "to bring your family out once a year would break you . . .".
A brief perusal of your own back page would show that a family of four could holiday in Ireland on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis for approximately £770 in a hotel. A holiday home in the south-west will cost from £300 to £500 on average for a week for 6/7 people. And this is in the high season. Mr Mitchell would be well advised to talk to his experienced colleague, Mr Allen, before attempting to make political hay in respect of our industry.
As for the secretary-general of the Department of Tourism and Trade complaining about prices, is she not the key adviser to the Minister who wants to make holidaying in Ireland even more expensive by adding a visitor entry tax to secure long-term marketing funds? Can she, or the Minister, tell us where the departure tax is spent? This tax, at least £30 million, is a classic tourism tax, but like motor tax is swallowed up in general funds.
The registered and approved accommodation sector in Ireland offers the best value for money that it can, in many instances during an extremely limited season such as four to six weeks. There are hundreds of thousands of Irish families on holidays in Ireland right now enjoying themselves. Better focus, more communication with the industry, innovative marketing co-operation and above all intelligent analysis and comment on our industry will help us move forward, not ritual uninformed whinging from those who are effectively supported by our efforts. - Yours, etc., Maurice J. Bergin, Baltimore Harbour Resort Hotel,
Baltimore, Co Cork.