(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Transport and Power if there is any improvement in the number of tourist bookings for the 1973 season as compared to those for the 1972 season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Bookings.
41.
I am informed by Bord Fáilte that tourist bookings to date are encouraging. Indications from air and sea carriers are that advance bookings are up on last year, particularly sea bookings. Results from Bord Fáilte Éireann's tourism intelligence report for April show that whereas half the hôteliers are experiencing the same number of advance bookings as last year for May and June, one-third are experiencing a higher level of advance bookings.
(Dublin Central): I presume that the Minister's statistics were compiled before the budget. Would the Minister agree that the staggering imposition of duties in the budget will have an adverse effect on tourism?
No. Quite the reverse.
It will attract people?
Confidence in the new Government will ensure that this season will be better than any season in the past three years.
(Dublin Central): Is the Minister suggesting that increases in prices will attract tourists?
Is the Deputy trying to damage the tourist industry?
Can the Minister tell me the comparative prices of beer per pint in England and Ireland?
That is a different matter. Question No. 42.
I know that there have been cancellations already.
Is the Minister serious when he says that increased prices will have a good effect on our tourist season.
I did not say that.
I have called Question No. 42. The Chair expects that its decisions will be adhered to by both sides of the House.