Vol. 470 No. 3
25 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the fact that Ireland's share of the high-spending category of visitors is falling; if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by the tourism industry at the absence of a long-term strategy for the sector; and the steps, if any, he intends to take to address these difficulties. [18709/96]
44 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to attract more repeat holiday makers to Ireland; and his views on the recent ITIC report findings in this regard. [18725/96]
58 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the proposals, if any, he has to address weaknesses in the Irish tourism industry outlined in the report by ITIC entitled, Developments in Overseas Tourism Markets. [18723/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 44 and 58 together.
The report, Developments in Overseas Tourism Markets, prepared by Fitzpatrick Associates for the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation and referred to by the Deputies, was unveiled at the forum run by the confederation on Tuesday last, 8 October.
I understand that this is the first of a two phase research project, and that the objective of the first report is to highlight specific areas for more indepth research which would benefit the tourism industry. The priority areas for further research as suggested by this report include the higher spending and repeat visitor categories, the fast growing middle income category and what converts potential into actual visitors.
Bord Fáilte is reviewing strategic marketing priorities, in consultation with the industry, with a view to achieving maximum revenue from all segments of the market, while particularly targeting those segments with an identified high yield potential. The issues raised by the ITIC report and, in particular, the results of phase II will provide a significant input to that review. The completed project will also constitute a valuable input into the development of a longer term strategy for Irish tourism post-1999, which marks the final year of the current six year strategy set out in the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99.
