asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a statement on the prospects for the tourist industry for the 1968 season, indicating in particular the income expected to accrue from tourists coming from (a) the USA, (b) Britain, and (c) Continental Europe; and the promotional expenditure in each of these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
2.
The prospects for the tourist industry in 1968 will be influenced by the proposed restrictions on travel from the United States and by the likely effects of devaluation. The restrictions proposed by the United States, if implemented, could have a serious effect on revenue from that area. Devaluation should result in an increase in revenue from Continental Europe but the adverse effects of credit restrictions in Britain could offset this increase. The uncertainty arising from these developments is such that it is impractical to make firm forecasts at this stage.
A final decision has not yet been taken on the level of promotional expenditure to be undertaken this year but an active marketing programme is being mounted by Bord Fáilte and associated Irish tourist interests with a view to offsetting adverse factors to the maximum extent possible.
3.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the conferences from which the tourist industry may expect to benefit which have been arranged to be held here during 1968, and the estimated receipts; and if he will give comparative figures for 1967.
The total number of such conferences arranged so far for 1968 is 54. It is estimated that these conferences will be attended by 13,500 delegates and that the contribution to tourist revenue will be £750,000. In 1967 there was 63 such conferences attended by about 12,000 delegates and tourist revenue was estimated at £650,000.