Bernard J. Durkan
Question:332 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the initiatives he has taken or proposes to take to develop the tourism industry in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6912/01]
Written Answers. - Tourism Industry.
The most important initiatives to support the continued development of the tourism industry are contained in the National Development Plan, 2000-06. The plan provides for public support in excess of £350 million for tourism marketing, product development and training initiatives over the life of the plan.
Operational programmes incorporating details of the initiatives and programmes proposed for marketing, £150 million, training, £107 million, and product development, £100 million, have been agreed and are being progressively rolled out.
Another important initiative is the establishment at the end of last year of the new all-island tourism marketing company, Tourism Ireland Limited, within the framework of the Good Friday Agreement. The formation of this new company, which will market the whole island as a tourism destination abroad, is one of the most significant institutional changes in the delivery of tourism policy since Bord Fáilte was set up in the early 1950s.