Robert Molloy
Question:155 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade whether targets for the Italian tourist market were achieved in 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7432/96]
Written Answers. - Italian Tourist Market Targets.
Specific targets for growth in tourism have been set out in the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99, which envisages annual growth rates of 9 per cent in foreign tourism revenue over the six year period of the programme.
Provisional figures released recently by the Central Statistics Office indicate that foreign tourism revenue in 1995 rose by 12 per cent, keeping tourism growth ahead of target for the second year running of the programme.
While Ireland maintained market share last year in Italy, with Italian visitor numbers reaching 112,000, this was down some 7 per cent on the previous year's numbers, reflecting reductions in the overall level of Italian outward bound traffic due primarily to the weakness of the Lira.