A survey carried out by Hospitality Ireland magazine has suggested that a 'tobacco free' Ireland, as envisaged by Health Minister James Reilly, could have a detrimental effect on Irish tourism.
The survey of just under 150 tourists in Dublin Airport and Temple Bar found that of those that admitted to being smokers, one third (33%) said that a change to a smoke-free country would affect their decision to come here in the future.
Hospitality Ireland said that the value loss resulting from this could be as much as €160 million a year.
In October, Minister Reilly announced his government's aim to have a 'Tobacco Free Ireland' by 2025, launching a series of recommendations "with the overall aim of de-normalising smoking in Irish society."
The Hospitality Ireland survey also found that an overwhelming 96 per cent of respondents felt Ireland had met or exceeded their expectations, with two thirds responding that they felt Ireland represented good value for money.
© 2013 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
