Vol. 238 No. 15
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is satisfied that the Aer Lingus scheduled services from Great Britain to Ireland and the sales promotion policy of the company in that country are geared to promte the maximum tourist traffic from Britain to Ireland; and if he will make a statement outlining the policy of the company in regard to tourism promotion in Britain and the results achieved.
7.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the IATA decision at Geneva last week relating to package air holidays has any implications for the Irish tourist industry and Irish airlines; and, if so, what they are.
8.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the official discussions which have been going on in Britain regarding the costs of package holidays, with particular reference to the fixing of minimum fares by the ATLB; if so, whether the outcome of these discussions could have any implications for the Irish tourist industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 7 and 8 together.
The scheduling of services and sales promotion policy are matters for the commercial discretion of the Board of Aer Lingus Teoranta. I am satisfied that the company's services and sales policy are geared to the promotion of the maximum traffic on the company's services between Britain and Ireland including tourist traffic to Ireland. The effect of the company's promotion is reflected in the growth of air tourist traffic. In the five years ended 1967, the latest year for which figures are available, the Bord Fáilte estimates of tourists travelling from Great Britain to this country by air show an increase of 40 per cent, that is from 335,000 in 1963 to 469,000 in 1967. These figures include tourists travelling by all cross-channel air services.
I am assured by Aer Lingus that the recent international Air Tourist Association decision at Geneva on inclusive tour fares should not affect adversely the growth rate of their tourist traffic to this country.
I am aware of the consideration at present being given at official level in Great Britain to the minimum cost of inclusive tours to which the Deputy refers. When the outcome in this matter is known the implications for Irish tourism will be assessed.
