asked the Minister for Transport and Power what plans, if any, Bord Fáilte have for a special promotional programme in Europe in view of this country's entry into the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Promotional Programme.
8.
Mr. O'Donnell
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the board has been steadily increasing its involvement in promotional activities in many European countries. In September, 1971, the board appointed a manager-new business with responsibility for developing continental European traffic. In addition to extending the level of activity in France and Germany, where Bord Fáilte already had offices, agents have been appointed in Italy and the Netherlands. Senior Bord Fáilte executives have made many visits to Italy, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Austria and Spain to attend trade promotions. At present an Irish group, led jointly by Bord Fáilte and the B & I line, is on a promotional tour of the Scandinavian countries. Bord Fáilte have arranged to bring selected travel wholesalers from all these countries to Ireland for familiarisation trips and to meet members of the Irish travel trade throughout the year. The board will be holding tourism workshops in Frankfurt at the end of June and in Paris in October next. The board have also established close working relationships with the many European sales offices of Aer Lingus and BEA with a view to wider involvement in their promotional activities.
Bord Fáilte marketing policy has taken account of the likelihood of increased traffic from our membership of the EEC and the board will continue to plan for the expansion of traffic from Europe and our other main market areas.
Mr. O'Donnell
Is the Minister aware that within the past week the IDA have launched a very intensive advertising campaign in continental European newspapers? I am wondering if, in addition to the plans which the Minister has outlined, he would be in a position to make a special subvention available to Bord Fáilte to enable them to mount and sustain an advertising campaign?
They are doing this. Funds are being devoted to it along the lines the Deputy suggested.