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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 4

Written Answers. - Tourism Marketing Fund.

John Perry

Question:

109 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans, if any, he has for the £150 million for marketing in the national development plan; and if its control will be under a joint industry State control body such as the Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative Board. [24726/99]

The national development plan, which was published on 15 November, included provision for Ireland's first ever multi-annual tourism marketing fund, with a specifically earmarked allocation of £150 million, euro 191 million, over the period 2000 to 2006. The main purpose of this fund is to finance the promotion and marketing internationally of Ireland as a world class tourist location, and specific marketing of activity based holidays with a view to regional development. The aim of the fund will be to ensure adequate funding, from public and industry sources, for the marketing of Irish tourism overseas on a partnership basis over the period of the plan.

Detailed arrangements for the operation of the tourism marketing fund will be settled following consultation with Bord Fáilte and representatives of the tourism industry and in the light of proposals for new all island institutional structures for international tourism marketing under the Good Friday Multi-party Peace Agreement.

Under the terms of the statement of 18 December 1998, issued by the First and Deputy First Ministers, the intention is that a new all island tourism company is to be established by Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to provide a range of services in the international marketing area, including subsuming the activities of Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative Limited. Meanwhile, it is envisaged that OTMI, which is a private company limited by guarantee and linked to the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994 to 1999, will continue in existence for such time as is required to discharge its legal responsibilities in respect of contractual marketing commitments under the programme taken before the deadline of end 1999 for such commitments.

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