Written Answers. - Tourism Industry.
Proinsias De Rossa
Question:
34
Proinsias De Rossa
asked the
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation
the progress made to date in implementing the targets set for the tourism sector in the national development plan; if there are proposals to review the targets in view of the current difficulties facing the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[8035/02]
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid): Under the framework of the National Development Plan, 2000-2006, published in November 1999, a number of indicators and targets have been set for tourism performance over the life of the plan. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism were targeted to grow at an annual average rate of 5% while a reduction of two percentage points was targeted over the seven year period in the number of visitors arriving during the peak July-August period. In addition, an increase of three percentage points in the proportion of total out-of-State tourism revenue accruing to the Border, midland and western region was targeted over the life of the plan.
For the year 2000, the first full year of the NDP, foreign exchange earnings from tourism increased by approximately 15% – well ahead of target – while there was a reduction of one percentage point in the number of visitors arriving during the peak July-August period. Progress against the regional target was also satisfactory with a gain of more than two percentage points in the proportion of tourism revenue accruing to the BMW region.
While the above outcome is encouraging, caution must be exercised in interpreting the results for a single year in the context of multiannual target setting. Figures for the year 2001 are not yet available. However current Bord Fáilte estimates predict a decline in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland last year but an increase in their expenditure. Final figures should be available from the CSO by mid-year.
While it is inevitable that the recent unexpected setbacks in tourism will make the task of keeping in line with targets more challenging in the short-term, NDP targets have to be viewed in the context of a seven year timeframe, and I have no plans to review them at this time. A mid-term review of the NDP is due to take place late in 2003.
Question No. 35 answered orally.
