The provision of a special €11 million (£8.7 million) fund for tourism marketing has been welcomed by tourism interests.
Mr McCreevy said the special provision, which will increase Exchequer tourism spending to almost €110 million, was made to support regional and sports tourism and for the international marketing in what would be "a challenging year".
He had been lobbied to provide a "recovery fund" following the effects of foot-and-mouth, the attacks on the US and the global economic downturn.
"We lobbied him very, very heavily and we are very happy with the whole conclusion," said Ms Mary Fitzgerald, proprietor of the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare and president of the Irish Hotels Federation.
Mr McCreevy also announced an extra €3.5 million (£2.8 million) for Tourism Ireland, the recently-formed cross-Border marketing body, which will increase its marketing budget for 2002 to €30.5 million.
Funding of €6.35 million (£5 million) is being provided to Bord Fβilte annually over the next five years to promote regional tourism through festivals and cultural events.
Mr McCreevy also increased the annual international sports tourism initiative from €6.35 million to €7.62 million. He further extended the initiative to 2007 "to enable longer term commitments to be made by Bord Fβilte".
Mr Niall Reddy, acting chief executive of Bord Fβilte, said the special provision and the reduction in employers' PRSI would assist the viability of tourism enterprises.
Mr Brendan Leahy, chief executive of the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation, said a meeting would be sought with the Minister to discuss the breakdown of the €11 million fund.
The Irish Hotels Federation, while welcoming the special provision, said it was disappointed that rebates on local authority rates for hotels and guesthouses had not been provided.
"The projected loss this year alone from the decrease in American tourists is over 200,000 visitors," Mr John Power, chief executive, said.
The Rose of Tralee festival received a special allocation of €320,000 "in recognition of the role of the festival in generating tourism in the region".