Gay Mitchell
Question:22 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has satisfied himself that targets set by his Department and Bord Fáilte are being realised.
Written Answers. - Tourism Targets.
The targets in the current Programme for National Recovery require, over the five year period 1988-1992, a doubling of foreign visitor numbers to over four million per annum, an increase in foreign revenue of £500 million, and the creation of 25,000 jobs in the Irish economy. These targets necessitate an annual average increase of almost 15 per cent in foreign tourism numbers and revenue.
The sector remains on target as we approach the end of this, the third year, of the five year tourism growth plan. Current market estimates indicate that visitor numbers will top three million this year, up some 1.1 million on the 1987 base year figure, and representing a cumulative average increase of 15 per cent per annum since 1988. Annual foreign tourism revenue grew by £258 million by the end of last year, representing over 50 per cent of the five year target, and creating an additional 10,500 jobs in the Irish economy over the years 1988 and 1989.