Pat Upton
Question:133 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the percentage of respondents in the annual survey of visitors' impression of Ireland who commented adversely on the levels of litter here. [11772/95]
Written Answers. - Visitors' Impression of Ireland.
Pat Upton
Question:134 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the main findings of the most recent annual survey of visitors' impressions of Ireland. [11773/95]
Pat Upton
Question:136 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the main changes which have been found in the annual survey of visitors' impressions of Ireland over the years since this survey commenced. [11775/95]
Bord Fáilte undertakes two general surveys of visitors to Ireland. The annual Survey of Travellers collects information on route of entry, purpose of visit, accommodation usage, regions visited, expenditure etc. The Visitor Attitude Survey is conducted every three to five years and assesses visitors' impressions of Ireland and the Irish tourism product.
The Visitor Attitude Survey was most recently conducted in 1993. The main findings included the following: the quality of sightseeing and scenery available in Ireland continued to be the most important visitor motivation, cited by 72 per cent of respondents; the key advantage distinguishing Ireland from similar destinations was the friendliness and hospitality of its people; the key disadvantages were poor weather followed by road quality and access costs; the majority expressed themselves happy with their visit with only 5 per cent claiming that it did not live up to expectations: 80 per cent would definitely recommend a holiday in Ireland to a friend and 90 per cent said that they would be very interested in returning to Ireland in the future. In the most recent survey about 5 per cent of visitors mentioned litter as an irritant.
Prior to 1993 the Visitor Attitudes Survey was previously conducted in 1983 and 1988. The main findings in relation to visitors' impressions have not changed significantly over the years. Some changes include: 80 per cent in 1993 would recommend Ireland to a friend as opposed to 74 per cent in 1988 and dissatisfaction with prices fell from 16 per cent in 1988 to 6 per cent in 1993.