Vol. 544 No. 1
80 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the main features of the all-Ireland marketing project for Irish tourism jointly launched with Sir Reg Empey on 7 November 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27870/01]
101 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has considered restructuring Bord Fáilte to meet the new demands involving the reduction in air travel, particularly the reduction in the number of visitors from North America and other countries. [28038/01]
126 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has reported to Government on proposals for a possible merger between Bord Fáilte and CERT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27879/01]
229 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation when he expects to finalise his consideration of the proposed merger of Bord Fáilte and CERT; when he expects the merger to take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28129/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 101, 126 and 229 together.
Tourism Ireland Limited – the new all island company established under the framework of the Good Friday Agreement to market Ireland internationally as a tourism destination from 2002 onwards – will, in future, be responsible for international marketing, including functions previously carried out by Bord Fáilte such as Brand Ireland advertising programmes, market planning and research and the entire overseas office network.
On 7 November 2001 the company launched details of the first all-island integrated marketing programme for the overseas market. In launching the programme, the chief executive stated that Tourism Ireland's immediate task in 2002 is to help the tourism industry regain the ground lost this year and position it for future growth when it happens. Key to the company's programme strategy for 2002 will be flexibility and responsiveness to markets as they change.
The chief executive explained that there will be a strong emphasis on tactical marketing, with precise timing and well-directed messages. Emphasis will be placed on near source markets, both traditional segments and those seeking an alternative destination. Co-operative programmes with the industry overseas, in Northern Ireland and the South will help maximise business opportunities.
Tourism Ireland also used the 7 November event to formally launch the new Tourism Brand Ireland identity, designed to reflect its new all island structure, as well as launching a new suite of marketing materials including a dynamic new television, print and tactical advertising campaign.
81 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his views on whether there is a need to reorganise the regional tourism organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28010/01]
93 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the regional tourism organisations which operate nationwide; the State funding made available to each in each of the past three years including 2001; his plans for the future of these organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28039/01]
94 Mr. B. Hayes asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation if he has met recently with the regional tourism organisations to discuss with them their views on the current tourism situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28004/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 81, 93 and 94 together.
At present, there are seven tourism regions, six of which are served by regional tourism authorities, RTAs, established by Bord Fáilte and the seventh, the mid-west, by Shannon Development.
The allocation of funding to the regional tourism authorities is a matter for Bord Fáilte and I understand that details of the subvention are contained in Bord Fáilte's annual reports and accounts.
The Deputies will be aware that a review of the RTAs was carried out in 1999. One of the key features to emerge from the review process was the introduction of a formal contract which would provide clarity for RTAs on critical issues such as Bord Fáilte funding, visitor servicing requirements, marketing and promotion programmes, tourism development strategy, and the co-ordination role of the RTAs. These contracts were intended to set out the role and what is expected by Bord Fáilte of the RTAs, including performance indicators. 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.
Bord Fáilte has a regular series of meetings with the RTA managers which allow the RTA perspective an opportunity to inform BFE policy and, indeed, its ongoing briefing both of myself and my Department. Following the tragic events in the United States on 11 September, both myself and officials from my Department have met regularly with senior management from both Bord Fáilte and Tourism Ireland Limited, the new all-island marketing company, and with a high level delegation from the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, ITIC, which represents all strands of the industry, to take stock of the situation and to ensure an appropriate response.
