Vol. 465 No. 6
33 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the number of all-Ireland promotional events planned for the second half of 1996 and the further plans, if any, he has for the development of marketing initiatives to promote Ireland, North and South, as a tourism venue. [10228/96]
A good working relationship exists between Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and this has its most practical marketing manifestation in the 1996 Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative.
This year's initiative involves some £6.5 million expenditure on advertising campaigns which run throughout the year in our four major markets, the US, Britain, France and Germany, promoting the island of Ireland as a holiday destination. Both tourist boards are involved in managing and overseeing the implementation of the campaign. While the main advertising campaigns are currently under way I understand that the OTMI board will be giving consideration to autumn 1996 and 1997 kickstart campaigns.
In the remainder of 1996, Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board will co-operate in over 20 overseas promotions, including trade workshops and consumer promotions.
The Joint INTERREG Programme for Northern Ireland and Ireland, 1994 to 1999, and the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties of Ireland, 1995 to 1999, will provide additional new opportunities for marketing areas eligible for assistance under each programme.
