Willie Penrose
Question:77 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his Department's assessment of the potential tourism market for 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2398/01]
Written Answers. - Tourism Industry.
Ivor Callely
Question:156 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the expected number of visitors in the year 2001; the countries of origin of such visitors; the countries that have been targeted for their potential to provide increased number of visitors to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1473/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 156 together.
The target set by Bord Fáilte in conjunction with the Tourism Marketing Partnership is for an increase of 5% in overseas visitor numbers in 2001 to more than 6.6 million visitors. Britain is expected to continue to be the largest market for Ireland with almost 3.6 million visitors, North American visitors are expected to be in excess of one million, while visitors from Mainland Europe are expected to reach almost 1.5 million. Long haul markets, with Australia in a prominent position, are expected to generate almost half a million visitors.
Ireland's best prospects in 2001 will continue to be the seven main markets: Britain, United States, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy and Australia. Apart from these core markets, other emerging markets offering good potential for Ireland are Sweden and Spain.