asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he proposes to make new regulations to provide for the existing and future financial needs of the regional tourism organisations; and whether any changes in the future role of these companies is contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Industry.
13.
Mr. O'Donnell
The regional tourism organisations are public companies which are financed by Bord Fáilte, local authorities and membership contributions. They also receive a small amount of revenue from advertisements and sales of tourist literature. I am informed by Bord Fáilte that it is not proposed to alter the arrangements for financing the companies' activities and that a change in the role of the companies is not contemplated.
14.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power how the present level of tourist bookings from North America compares with the figures for this period in 1971.
15.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will indicate from the latest available information the likely prospects for tourist business from North America for the remainder of the 1972 season.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that carriers are experiencing a drop of around 10 per cent over last year in the number of advance bookings for scheduled flights from North America. Charter business is, however, expected to show some improvement on last year.
Bord Fáilte's present forecast for total traffic from North America in 1972 is 216,900 visitors and £22.6 million revenue, exclusive of carrier receipts. These figures represent decreases of 10 per cent and 5 per cent respectively on the corresponding figures for 1971. The board have explained that these figures are based on the best information available at this stage and that they will be subject to review as additional reports become available.
Mr. O'Donnell
Is the Minister aware that a very serious situation has arisen in relation to the promotion of tourist traffic from North America by the decision of Aer Lingus last week to give preferential treatment to two tour operators to the exclusion of ten others who are bringing business into Ireland? Is the Minister aware of the Aer Lingus decision and, if so, is he in favour of it?
The Deputy would have to ask a question of the Minister. I could not reply to that. It is not in my brief.
Has the Minister any information on the number of bookings with Aer Lingus on and after the date —
I have only got the information for all the carriers in this question.
There is nothing specific about Aer Lingus?
No.
There never will be anything specific about Aer Lingus.
16.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will give the latest estimates of tourist activity in 1972 under the following headings: (a) the number of visitors, distinguishing, if possible, visitors from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, North America and Continental Europe; (b) gross receipts from visitors, other than transportation receipts, under the same headings; and (c) transportation receipts.
As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it in the Official Report.
Following is the statement:— (a) Bord Fáilte estimate of tourist traffic in 1972.
|
Country of Origin |
Number |
Revenue (excluding transportation receipts) |
|
(£ million) |
||
|
Britain |
724,800 |
21.3 |
|
Northern Ireland |
292,500 |
6.4 |
|
North America |
216,900 |
22.6 |
|
Continental Europe |
123,000 |
7.1 |
|
Other Areas |
19,000 |
1.3 |
|
Subtotal |
1,376,200 |
58.7 |
|
Day-trippers |
10,000,000 |
7.6 |
|
Total |
11,376,200 |
66.3 |
(b) Bord Fáilte estimate of foreign receipts of Irish transport carriers in 1972.
£17.6 million.
NOTE: These estimates are liable to revision at short notice as more up-to-date market data become available.
17.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any special steps are being taken by Bord Fáilte to generate off-season traffic from Britain during 1972; and, if so, if he will give details.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the board is at present conducting joint advertising and promotional campaigns with Aer Lingus and British Rail this month and in September next to attract off-peak visitors. In addition, the board is operating a joint campaign with the B & I Line which is continuing throughout the year.
Mr. O'Donnell
Surely the Minister will agree that one of the best means of promoting off-season traffic from Britain is by reducing air fares and travel charges? Is it not a fact that high air charges between Britain and Ireland are the real inhibiting factor in the generation of off-season tourist traffic?
The Deputy has already argued that and the Minister for Transport and Power has given his reply about the basis of charging by Aer Lingus, that it must be a combination of making the line viable and providing as many incentives as possible by low-cost travel, a mix of the two principles. The Deputy is aware of that from the previous reply by the Minister.
18.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether Bord Fáilte have any representation at present in Brussels; and whether it is proposed to set up a tourism marketing headquarters for Europe at Brussels.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the board have no representation in Brussels at present and that they have no plans for setting up a tourism marketing headquarters for Europe there. The board at present have offices in France and Germany and also an area agent in Italy. The board hope to have representation in Amsterdam in the near future with responsibility for the Benelux countries.
Hear, hear. I do not often agree with the Minister but I agree with him on that.
Mr. O'Donnell
While recognising the fact that the board has representation in the European countries to which the Minister has referred, would the Minister not think it desirable to set up a European marketing headquarters with a view to directing the overall operation in Europe?
That would be a matter for Bord Fáilte. No doubt the Minister for Transport and Power will be discussing at intervals the European policy of Bord Fáilte.