Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 2

Written Answers. - Tourism Promotion.

Austin Deasy

Question:

54 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his views on whether the work of Bord Fáilte offices provide value for money or if a better job could be done by paying agents a commission fee on the basis of results achieved. [26080/00]

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

The implementation of national tourism marketing and promotion policies is best undertaken by a dedicated executive body such as Bord Fáilte, working in concert with the tourism industry. In an important recent development at the inaugural meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council in tourism sectoral format held in Belfast on 27 October, the establishment was announced of a new North/South company with responsibility for all island international tourism marketing under the Good Friday Agreement. When fully implemented, this development will further refine overall arrangements for international tourism marketing through an enhanced all island approach.

I also point to the establishment in April this year of a new Tourism Marketing Partnership involving Bord Fáilte and the Irish tourism industry which is designed to bring about a greater level of synergy between industry and the board in international tourism marketing planning and implementation. This is a good example of co-operation and partnership between the State sector and the private commercial arm of the tourism industry. We have adopted a professional and sensible approach to marketing Ireland abroad and our excellent performance in terms of tourism growth in recent years against targets set pro vides some evidence that the approach adopted has been successful and cost effective.