Billy Timmins
Question:28 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation to list the most visited locations for the 1999 tourist season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21199/00]
Written Answers. - Tourism Industry.
Bord Fáilte does not yet have information available on the most visited tourist attractions in 1999. However, according to the results of Bord Fáilte's 1998 survey of main tourist attractions, both fee paying and non fee paying, the following were the most visited: National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin Zoo, Book of Kells, Guinness Hopstore, Hugh Lane Gallery, Bunratty Castle, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Waterford Crystal, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rock of Cashel.
Ireland is fortunate to have a number of world class visitor attractions. However, I am conscious that many of these major attractions are situated in the capital city, a situation similar to that pertaining in other countries.
In an effort to address regional spread of tourism product, the Government has earmarked £100 million under the national development plan for tourism product development measures, under the regional operational programmes.
In the drafting of these measures, I have sought to ensure that their focus is to develop the tourism product in an environmental and sustainable way, that widens the spatial spread of tourism and diverts pressure from highly developed areas.
The strategy is to concentrate support on a series of special interest activities to meet identified niche markets; on a limited number of new visitor attractions, capable of attracting a significant number of visitors to developing tourism areas; and on the creation of coherent and marketable clusters of existing attractions and facilities, which have yet to achieve their full tourism potential.
Willie Penrose
Question:29 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps being taken to ensure that the regions are receiving adequate promotion as tourism destinations, especially having regard to the need for an even spread of tourism here and the serious pressures being created in Dublin because of the high level of tourism there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21129/00]
Deputies will be well aware that Irish tourism growth over the past ten years has been unprecedented, with visitor numbers to Ireland doubling to 5.9 million and foreign exchange earnings rising to £2.5 billion in 1999. All regions have shared in this growth, but there have been variations in performance – due, in no small measure, to international industry trends such as the growth in short breaks and urban tourism.
The importance of regional spread is clearly reflected in the tourism strategy outlined in the National Development Plan, 2000-2006 which provides, under my aegis, some £350 million for tourism marketing, training and product development.
Within this overall budget, some £100 million has been earmarked for tourism product development measures, under the regional operational programmes. In the drafting of these measures, I have sought to ensure that their focus is to develop the tourism product in an environmental and sustainable way, that widens the spatial spread of tourism and diverts pressure from highly developed areas.
The strategy is to concentrate support on a series of special interest activities to meet identified niche markets; on a limited number of new visitor attractions; and on creating coherent and marketable clusters of existing attractions and facilities which have yet to achieve their full tourism potential.
One of the intended impacts of this approach is that there will be a more balanced spatial spread of tourism and that, in more congested areas, environmental pressure will be reduced.
It is the visitor's prerogative as to where he or she spends a holiday.
Many factors influence that decision. Bord Fáilte's destination marketing programme seeks to influence visitors to come to Ireland first and foremost. This programme is complemented by the activities of the regional tourism authorities, and the industry itself, in promoting their respective regions and products. These activities include those supported by the special regional tourism marketing initiative which in 2000, will provide some £940,000 for the six regional tourism authorities and Shannon Development.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:30 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the information available to his Department on the tourism market this summer; if his attention has been drawn to claims that the bed and breakfast sector is facing severe difficulties; the plans he has to provide assistance for this sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21103/00]
Bord Fáilte compiles regular seasonal reports drawn from a variety of sources, including passenger statistics, Bord Fáilte's own visitor surveys and reports from the various sectors within the tourism industry.
The most recent such report, covering the first six months of this year, confirms the continuing growth of the Irish tourism industry, indicating that visitor numbers for the period are in line with Bord Fáilte's overall annual target for growth of 6%. The majority of accommodation sectors such as hotels, guesthouses and self-catering, have reported increased occupancy levels for the period concernd.
I am aware of reports indicating a slight downturn in the level of business enjoyed by the bed and breakfast sector. However, it is also reported that while casual, passing trade has declined, demand through trade channels is growing. According to the Bord Fáilte report, industry sources have indicated that the main factors influencing this downturn include a general shift in the preference of domestic and international markets towards the additional facilities offered by hotels and a preference to be located nearer towns and cities.
Last year, I launched a pilot initiative targeted primarily at the small accommodation provider, whereby Bord Fáilte would carry out a fundamental review of how the various groups in this category are branded and marketed overseas with a view to increasing business overall and particularly in off-peak season and in rural areas.
£300,000 was set aside for this initiative in 1999 and a further £500,000 this year. The initiative involved supporting a range of practical promotional activities on behalf of the bed and breakfast sector, including attendance at trade fairs, advertising, off-season promotion with tour operators, in addition to organising a series of educational workshops for individual operators.
Since April of this year, Bord Fáilte has integrated this initiative into their overall marketing strategy, thereby providing continued support to bed and breakfast operators.