Vol. 448 No. 8
15 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the funds which were allocated in 1994 to promote Ireland in the Japanese market; the plans, if any, he has to further develop that market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2914/95]
20 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the steps, if any, being taken to promote Irish tourism in the Japanese market; and the progress to date. [2938/95]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 15 and 20 together.
Japan is now one of the world's most important tourism markets with well over 13 million overseas visits in 1994, of which 1.6 million were to Europe. Promotion of Ireland in Japan is undertaken jointly by Bord Fáilte and Aer Lingus and results to date have been very impressive with Japanese visitors to Ireland increasing from 14,000 in 1992 to an estimated 22,000 in 1994. Additional funding of £100,000 was provided to Bord Fáilte last year from the tourism promotion and development fund to support increased promotional activity in the market. Awareness of Ireland in the Japanese market will be further increased when Aer Lingus and Bord Fáilte move to the new Ireland House in Tokyo which will be opened in March 1995. Bord Fáilte activities in 1995 will include travel trade seminars, trade advertising, media seminars and visits to Ireland and direct consumer advertising.
Japanese tourists are becoming increasingly open to exploring new destinations and while our current share of the Japanese market is small. I have no doubt that there is great potential for further significant growth.
