Michael Creed
Question:44 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will report on his recent visit to Egypt. [3454/98]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Travel.
Trevor Sargent
Question:45 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will give an account of his recent visit to Egypt; the reasons for the visit; and the measures, if any, taken by him to promote tourism from Egypt. [3458/98]
Michael Creed
Question:65 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will report on his recent visit to Egypt. [3455/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 45 and 65 together.
In response to an invitation by the Egyptian Tourism Minister, Dr. Mamdouh El-Beltagui, I paid an official visit to Egypt, from Saturday 3 to Tuesday 6 January. My visit was intended to further the Government's political commitment to strengthening economic and diplomatic relations with Egypt. Egypt's tourism industry had been adversely affected by a perceived security threat and I felt strongly that it was important to show our solidarity. In this regard, I believe that my visit to Egypt was especially timely, taking place so soon after the horrific massacres at Luxor last November.
Egypt has successfully marketed its unique heritage and antiquity. There is increasing interest in Ireland in promoting our heritage and history. We have made great progress in the promotion of special activity holidays in Ireland. Clearly there is scope for sharing our experience, capabilities and key market information. During my meeting with Dr. El-Beltagui we discussed the potential for co-operation between both countries and considered the possibility of an exchange of expertise in tourism marketing and training. I invited Dr. El Beltagui to visit Ireland officially during 1998 and he has indicated his intention to do so.
During my visit to Egypt, I also met the Egyptian Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Youssef Walli, and raised the issue of live cattle exports from Ireland to Egypt. I also met a number of Egyptian businessmen who trade with Ireland, including Egyptian meat importers. Overall, it was a very constructive visit from the viewpoint of both Governments.