Vol. 529 No. 2
84 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans he has to assist the industry with the promotion of year-round facilities, having regard to the desirability of achieving a more even spread of tourists throughout the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2403/01]
One of the aims of tourism policy is to concentrate a significant proportion of growth in the shoulder and off-peak periods. By the end of 1999, 73% of visitors were arriving outside the peak period of July and August and growth in off-peak and shoulder seasons had increased by nearly 9% in 1999 as opposed to 3.5% of an increase in peak visitor numbers.
Just before Christmas, Bord Fáilte, in conjunction with the Tourism Marketing Partnership, launched its three year marketing strategy for the period 2001-03 and unveiled its detailed marketing programmes for 2001. A total marketing spend of the order of £90 million is envisaged for 2001 across all markets, of which £28 million is State expenditure and £62 million industry spend. The Tourism Marketing Partnership is designed to encourage synergy and complementarity between the marketing plans and programmes of the industry and Bord Fáilte.
