I have not as yet received a comprehensive report from Bord Fáilte assessing the potential for tourism growth in the light of the ongoing peace process. However, a recently commissioned study by Bord Fáilte Éireann in the UK market indicates the potential for a 19 per cent increase in British holidaymakers to this country in 1995.
I have publicly indicated my belief that the ongoing peace process is worth some £100 million per annum in additional tourism revenue to the island of Ireland in the long term. This estimate is derived from a recent study by DKM economic consultants on The Economic Impact of the Northern Ireland Conflict. This study which was completed before last autumn's ceasefires, identified the British market as offering particular potential from a cessation of violence.
A special private sector-led £2 million all-Ireland tourism marketing campaign, supported by Exchequer and EU funds, is being undertaken on British television this spring, in order to help realise this growth potential.