Bernard J. Durkan
Question:116 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he envisages any particular further developments in niche market tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26193/00]
Written Answers. - Tourism Industry.
The national development plan includes an allocation of £150 million for a tourism marketing sub-programme over the period 2000-06, and consists of two separate measures, a destination marketing measure and a niche marketing measure. Decisions as to the allocation of funding under this sub-programme are a matter for Bord Fáilte, in consultation with the tourism marketing partnership, TMP, which is a special group set up within Bord Fáilte composed of Bord Fáilte executives and tourism industry representatives. The operation of the measures will be the subject of a major mid-term review in 2003.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:117 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has satisfied himself that tourist services and facilities here are competitively priced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26194/00]
According to the 1999 visitor attitude survey conducted by Bord Fáilte, less than one in ten of respondents found prices to be unacceptably high in Ireland.
However, in a highly competitive international environment, value for money is a critical determinant in holiday choices, and the onus is on individual providers of tourist services and facilities to be constantly vigilant in keeping prices at competitive levels. I have consistently highlighted the importance of this issue in my contacts with the industry.