Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 6

Written Answers. - Bord Fáilte.

Bernard Allen

Question:

372 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the Japanese Association of Travel Agents; and if he has satisfied himself that Bord Fáilte's increased levels of promotional activity in Japan is bringing about increased levels of tourism from Japan to Ireland. [23353/99]

(Dr. McDaid): On 17 September 1999, I hosted a welcome reception and dinner for the Board of the Japanese Association of Travel Agents (JATA) in Dublin Castle. The delegation was made up of 38 members of the Japanese travel trade who were on a week long familiarisation trip to Ireland which was organised by Bord Fáilte and included meetings with members of the Irish trade. In addressing the board, I described the event as an important occasion for Irish tourism. The first ever visit to Ireland of the JATA presented a unique opportunity for the Irish tourist trade to get involved in an initiative for the Japanese market. Over 40 Irish companies were involved in the JATA visit and this showed their commitment to developing the Japanese market in Ireland.

At the dinner, I stressed the importance of the Japanese market to Irish tourism. The Japanese are high yield visitors who tend to spread their visits throughout the year thus aiding my objective of sustainable tourism development by ensuring a broader seasonal spread of visitors. I also took the opportunity to emphasise the attractions of Ireland to the potential Japanese holidaymaker, citing the warmth of our people, our green environment, our cultural richness and heritage, our food, drink and music as well as the variety of activities on offer. In particular I highlighted our attraction as a golfing holiday destination to a country where demand for golf facilities way outstrips supply. On his return to Japan, the chairman of JATA wrote to me to thank me for the hospitality extended to the JATA Board and expressed confidence that their experience in Ireland would encourage the members of JATA to positively promote Ireland and contribute to an increase in numbers of Japanese visitors to Ireland.

The number of Japanese visitors to Ireland has more than doubled in the past five years from 18,000 in 1993 to 38,000 in 1998. While the level and range of tourism promotion activity in individual overseas markets is an operational matter for Bord Fáilte, I am confident that Bord Fáilte's increased level of promotional activity in respect of the Japanese market, which started with the JATA visit in September, will result in further increases in tourism revenues and visitor numbers in years to come.