Denis Naughten
Question:34 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the plans he has to regionalise the tourism sector here. [21857/01]
Written Answers. - Tourism Industry.
At present there are seven tourism regions, six of which are administered by regional tourism authorities, RTAs, and the seventh, the mid-west, by Shannon Development. Responsibility for promoting the regions rests with Bord Fáilte, the relevant RTA, and the industry in each region and a series of marketing initiatives by the RTAs is currently being funded by Bord Fáilte.
The Deputy is probably aware that a review of the RTAs was carried out in 1999 by Bord Fáilte. One of the key features to emerge from the review process was the introduction of a formal annual performance contract, between Bord Fáilte and each RTA, covering issues such as Bord Fáilte funding, visitor servicing, marketing and promotion, tourism development, and the co-ordination role of the RTAs. These contracts were intended to set out the role and what is expected of the RTAs and to lay down indicators for measuring performance. I am confident that the new contractual framework, which marks a major advance in the regional administrative structure, will give increased clarity and focus to the work of the RTAs enabling them to maximise their contribution to regional and national tourism performance.
I intend, once state aids clearance from the EU is forthcoming, to launch the new tourism product investment scheme under the national development plan which will be implemented by Bord Fáilte in consultation with Shannon Development and the regional tourism authorities, RTAs. This scheme will have a strong focus on less-developed tourism areas. However, I must continue to reiterate that successful realisation of the tourism product development strategy and achievement of its redistribution objective is very much dependent on the relevant local and other authorities delivering the necessary infrastructure, facilities and controls and the RTAs have a critical role to play in this process.
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 25.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 8.
Question No. 37 answered with Question No. 12.
Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 8.