Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.

Ivor Callely

Question:

86 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the level of promotion of Ireland as an attractive, competitive and quality visitor destination for overseas tourists; the target set for percentage increase of overseas tourists to Ireland in 1999 over 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11810/99]

Ivor Callely

Question:

88 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the revenue to be generated from tourism in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11812/99]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 88 together.

According to Bord Fáilte, almost £20 million is expected to be available for overseas marketing in 1999, when all sources, including European Regional Development Fund and the overseas tourism marketing initiative, are taken into account. As I informed the Deputy on 1 December 1998, Parliamentary Question No. 61, the focus of our tourism promotional activity is on developing a less peaked market, with higher yield and greater regional distribution of economic benefits. This involves a range of measures undertaken by Bord Fáilte in full partnership with the tourism trade in Ireland and, where relevant, overseas, which are designed to encourage both consumers and trade to consider Ireland as a year round destination, with a wide variety of top-class facilities and attractions throughout the country.

Visitor numbers in 1999 are forecast by Bord Fáilte to grow by 7 per cent and, in the case of tourism revenue, a 9 per cent increase on the 1998 estimated outturn of £2.3 billion is expected.