Vol. 567 No. 6
189 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the contact or meetings his Department has had or is proposing to have with the farmhouse tourism sector; if he has satisfied himself with the present position of this sector; the directives he has in regard to rural tourism generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14834/03]
Since taking up office, neither I, nor my officials, have had occasion to meet representatives of the Irish Farm Holidays Association, the organisation representing the farmhouse sector. However, my Department and I have regular contacts and consultations with the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation, which represents the interests of key tourist industry groups including the Farm Holidays Association. I also understand the association was one of several key representative groups that met bilaterally with the Tourism Policy Review Group and that a useful and informative exchange of views took place in relation to the future development of the sector.
There are no funds at the disposal of my Department under which grants can be made available to investors in this sector, although I understand they benefit from marketing supports provided by Fáilte Ireland.
190 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projected number of tourists expected to visit Ireland in 2003; the number visiting for specific events rather than general visits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14835/03]
Overseas tourist numbers in 2002 were just under 6 million. Given the significant external shocks impacting on the tourism and travel sector globally and the absence of official statistics for the year to date, it is not possible, at this stage, to give a projection of visitor numbers for 2003. I understand there is evidence of a recovery in bookings following a slump in some key markets and Tourism Ireland Limited is still hopeful, rather than confident, of achieving its 5% growth target. In 2002, an estimated 13% of all overseas visitors came to Ireland specifically to participate in an activity or pastime, or to attend a cultural event or festival and a similar overall performance could be expected in 2003.
Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 186.
192 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the plans his Department has to assist the tourism industry with the promotion of year round activities having regard to the desirability of a more even spread of tourists throughout the year and the importance of such assistance in view of the present difficulties being encountered by the industry. [14837/03]
A better seasonal spread of tourism activity has been and remains a key objective of tourism policy in Ireland as it is for many other countries. Achieving that goal has long been recognised, both in Ireland and elsewhere, as a major challenge.
One of the key targets under the tourism marketing measure of the productive sector operational programme is a 2% shift away from peak season over the period of the national development plan. Results suggest that there has been a shift of 1% over the first two years of operation of the measure. That represents a significant achievement. Seasonality concerns will continue to influence our international tourism marketing campaigns which are delivered via Tourism Ireland Limited.
Today marks the establishment of our new National Tourism Development Authority to be known as Fáilte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland will work with the industry to help achieve a wider seasonal and regional distribution of tourism business.
