Simon Harris
Question:607. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the estimated benefit that the economy has derived from the Gathering thus far; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41560/12]
View answerTuesday, 2 October 2012
Questions (607)
Written answers
The main economic benefit to Ireland of 'The Gathering Ireland 2013', is expected to be experienced next year when it aims to generate up to 325,000 additional overseas visits, and through the long-term impact of raising Ireland's profile as a place to visit.
It is not possible to make meaningful estimates of the economic benefit to date. However, ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ was the title sponsor of the recent Notre Dame/Navy "Emerald Isle Classic", which generated an estimated €2,500 spending from each of the 35,000 fans who came here for the game.
There are now more than 500 individual Gathering events pledged for 2013 on 'The Gathering Ireland 2013' website, and this is increasing on a daily basis arising from the on-going promotion and rollout of the initiative through community public meetings right across the country. These community meetings are being held (or have already taken place) in every county in Ireland before the year end.Like the sponsorship of the Navy/Notre Dame game, these have been supported by the €5 million earmarked this year for 'The Gathering Ireland 2013' in direct funding from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Fáilte Ireland estimates that each additional visitor to Ireland arising from 'The Gathering Ireland 2013' will generate direct revenue of €470 per visitor so the target number of visits would generate over €150 million in additional tourism exports. Already, the specific Gathering events that have been pledged by communities, organisations, businesses and tourism providers are set to deliver visitor numbers in 2013 in excess of that threshold based on funds allocated to-date.