Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 March 2006
140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to a fall of in tourism in areas outside the capital; his proposals to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8584/06]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the reply given earlier in response to priority Question No. 31.
141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has issued instructions to the tourism promoting agencies with a view to maximising the promotion of tourism in tandem with the Ryder Cup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8585/06]
View answerThe hosting of the Ryder Cup at the K Club in September is a key event for tourism this year and a unique opportunity to market all that Ireland has to offer as a tourism destination. In recognition of this the Government has made a significant level of resources available to Fáilte Ireland to ensure the tourism spin-off to Ireland and golfing tourism in particular is maximised. The 2006 Revised Estimates Volume published last week allocated an additional €4.5 million to Fáilte Ireland to support an enhanced programme of marketing and promotional activities around the Ryder Cup, including a national branding programme and a number of golf marketing initiatives. The aim of this programme, to be delivered in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, is to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the unique event that is the Ryder Cup, with a view to promoting an enduring positive image of tourism here. Fáilte Ireland will also engage with the European tour for delivery of an appropriate complementary programme of events around the Ryder Cup, including the official opening and closing ceremonies and other initiatives intended to raise the profile of the occasion.
Tourism Ireland's network of overseas market offices is being deployed to maximise the positive publicity the television coverage, with an expected audience of more than 1 billion in 150 countries, will generate. Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels is primarily devolved to the Arts Council, a State body funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations.
