asked the Minister for Transport and Power the outcome of the recent tourist workshops in North America; and if he will make a statement on the likely prospects for tourist traffic from North America during 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Traffic from North America.
14.
Mr. O'Donnell
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the 30 Irish participants in the five North American workshops, which were held in New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Toronto between the 8th and 23rd March, 1971, were very satisfied with the opportunities provided to meet the American and Canadian travel interests. The workshops were aimed at getting business for 1972 but the Irish participants also availed of the opportunity to secure tourist business for the current year. While it is too early to make a firm estimate of tourist traffic from North America in 1971 the indications are that business from that market will be better than in 1970. The Deputy will, of course, appreciate that a complete assessment of the effectiveness of the workshops can only be made in the light of business eventually secured.
Mr. O'Donnell
In view of the fact that this operation in North America has been successful would the Minister consider having the same kind of operation in Britain as a last minute drive?
It is worth considering. The operation was highly successful in North America but this type of operation was not successful in Britain last year. It is apparently geared to the American travel market, they were completely receptive to it and it has gone very well there.