Vol. 504 No. 3
20 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the degree to which the tourism industry will expand in 1999 with particular reference to the specific areas likely to experience most growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11780/99]
Bord Fáilte, the agency with responsibility for overseas marketing and promotion, forecasts overall growth of 7 per cent in visitor numbers in 1999, with a 9 per cent increase in revenue. Britain and North America are expected to be particularly strong performers as in 1998.
I understand from Bord Fáilte that it is too early to provide a definitive view of the particular segments most likely to exhibit the greatest growth as the lead time for bookings is becoming increasingly shorter. Detailed information in relation to the outlook for 1999 is contained in the Bord Fáilte publication entitled Marketing Ireland to the World, a copy of which, I understand, has been made available to all Members of the House.
