Vol. 460 No. 4
23 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the further plans, if any, he has for developing a common approach towards marketing Ireland north and south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1453/96]
The good working relationships already established between Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board will have their most practical marketing manifestation in the 1996 Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative.
This year's initiative involves some £6.5 million expenditure on advertising campaigns in our four major markets, the US, Britain, France and Germany, promoting the island of Ireland as a holiday destination. Both tourist boards will be involved in managing and overseeing the implementation of the campaign. The NITB are also represented on a steering committee recently established to oversee work on the development of a brand image for Irish tourism.
All island promotional stands have been taken at a number of major trade and consumer shows around the world. Both Baroness Denton and I will be speaking at a joint tourism promotion in London on 15 February next.
The Joint INTERREG Programme for Northern Ireland and Ireland, 1994-99, and the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland, 1995-99, will also provide additional new opportunities for marketing areas eligible for assistance under each programme.
