11. AMAS report highlights threats and opportunities for tourism

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Passenger waiting for the flight at the airport

A major research study on how tourism businesses have been affected by the Internet has been completed by AMAS. The study was commissioned by the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC), the representative body for the Irish tourism sector and arose from concerns about the impact of the Internet on smaller tourism businesses.

AMAS’s work programme involved interviews with key players in Irish tourism, an industry survey, an international benchmarking exercise and other forms of research.

The study made a total of 25 recommendations, for tourism businesses themselves, industry bodies, the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and the State tourism bodies.

ITIC Chief Executive Eamonn McKeon said the study produced “superb analysis and practical solutions”. He described the AMAS team as “great people to work with and excellent listeners”.
This is the latest in a series of projects AMAS has conducted for the tourism and travel sector.

AMAS has been engaged on strategy and research assignments for Aerlingus.com, Town and Country Homes, the representative body for the B&B sector, Tourism Ireland, O’Mara Travel and the Irish Tour Operators Association.

In December,AMAS Managing Director Aileen O’Toole addressed an EU eBusiness conference in Oslo on how Ireland as a tourist destination is being marketed online.

Back to contents of State of the Net issue 8