Vol. 470 No. 3
39 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the difficulties, if any, which are likely to affect our tourism and trade industries due to the diminishing peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18703/96]
Maintaining and strengthening business and consumer confidence continue to be a priority for all those, particularly in Northern Ireland, who are involved in developing cross-Border business in the tourism and trade sectors. The difficulties in the current phase of the peace process do, undoubtedly, present a challenge in this regard. Nevertheless, it is clear that, irrespective of political developments, the pragmatic business-to-business relationships, which are typified by organisations such as the IBEC/CBI Northern Ireland Joint Business Council, are continuing to flourish and that business people on both sides of the Border are united in their determination to strengthen and deepen cross-Border economic co-operation.
Exports to Northern Ireland increased by almost 8 per cent to over £333 million in the first five months of this year while imports also increased by 11 per cent to £272 million. An Bord Tráchtála continue to work with companies seeking out new business opportunities in Northern Ireland and to build on the range of initiatives already in place.
As regards tourism, the Deputy will be aware that tourism to the South has been growing at a very fast rate for a number of years prior to the ceasefires of autumn 1994. All the evidence points to 1996 being another record breaking year for our tourism industry. The latest CSO figures indicate that total visitor numbers were up by over 15 per cent in the first six months of this year with particularly strong performances in Britain, up 17 per cent, and North America, up by almost 18 per cent. The main consumer marketing campaigns in our overseas markets continue to be carried out under the aegis of the overseas tourism marketing initiative which is a partnership between the tourism industry and the State sector, North and South.
