Tony Killeen
Question:12 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on growth patterns in the preliminary 1994 tourism statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10838/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourism Statistics.
The Central Statistics Office recently released the final figures for overseas visitors and revenue for 1994. Overseas visitors increased by 10.5 per cent on 1993 to 3.681 million with revenue increasing by 9.5 per cent to £1,497 million.
Irish tourism performed extremely well in 1994 with growth rates in visitor numbers from our main markets ranging from 4.9 per cent in Europe and 10.6 per cent in Britain to more than 19 per cent in the US. This performance is all the more impressive given that it took place against a background of low growth in international travel in 1994. The World Tourism Organisation has estimated that total European arrivals increased by only 2 per cent in 1994 while international tourism receipts increased by some 5 per cent. I am confident that the Irish tourism industry will continue to enjoy above average growth in 1995.
I am sure the Minister is aware of the major disparity in the preliminary figures between regions in terms of growth. When I tabled the question I did not have access to the final figures. Will he comment on the variation between regions, particularly the disparity between increasing numbers and increasing revenue in some regions? In the south east there has been a 16 per cent increase in numbers and a 35 per cent increase in revenue and in the south west there has been a 1 per cent increase in numbers and a 2 per cent decrease in revenue. As such a pattern is a cause of major concern, what action does the Minister propose to redress it?
While recent media reports have revealed a decrease in tourist numbers and revenue in various places, the figures for January to March indicate an estimated 615,000 overseas visitors to the country compared with 527,000 in the same period of 1994, an increase of approximately 17 per cent. Perhaps some areas are making greater marketing efforts to attract visitors. If the Deputy tables a separate question about specific regions I will supply him with as much information as possible. I intend to establish the significance of the patterns. If overall visitors and revenue are increasing, it should be possible to establish the locations to which visitors travel. There has been a major increase in the number of Northern Ireland and English registered cars on our roads, but I am not sure of the areas visited by their owners. If the Deputy puts down a separate question on the matter I will supply him with the information he requires.