Tony Killeen
Question:91 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to counteract the negative publicity arising from the Grand National bomb scare and similar recent events in the United Kingdom. [9461/97]
Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.
The abandonment of the Grant National at Aintree, due to a bomb alert last Saturday, has come at an important time of the year for attracting visitors and, like all serious incidents of this nature, has the potential to impact to some extent on our capacity to attract overseas visitors.
While it is too early to assess overall impact, I am advised by Bord Fáilte that inquiries to their office in London are continuing at a very high level and the industry continues to report excellent prospects from Britain for Irish tourism this year. Bord Fáilte will, nevertheless, continue to monitor the situation closely in association with key carriers, tour operators and product suppliers and adopt, where necessary, appropriate strategies to deal with the situation should it deteriorate. Overall, the board will continue to promote and sell Ireland as vigorously as possible overseas, maximising the benefits of the new Tourism Brand Ireland.