Vol. 241 No. 10
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is satisfied with the performance of the tourist industry during 1969; whether any changes are contemplated in tourism promotion policy for 1970; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
229.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the outcome of his discussions last July with Bord Fáilte on the problems which had arisen in the tourist industry.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.
I had a general discussion in July with the chairman and director-general of Bord Fáilte Éireann about the tourist industry. Among the matters discussed were the returns of tourist traffic in June, 1969. Following that meeting a news release was issued in which I explained that experience throughout the country was not uniform and that in fact traffic returns up to June, 1969, showed an increase in inward sea and air traffic as compared with 1968.
Figures so far available indicate that the number of visitors by sea and air has continued above the 1968 level. It is however too early to make an overall assessment of the 1969 season and it may be that returns in respect of the latter part of the year will be adversely affected by the disturbances in Northern Ireland.
The main objective of tourist policy under the Third Programme for Economic and Social Development is to achieve a growth rate of six per cent per annum at constant values. Within that general objective, the aim is to bring about an extension of the season so as to achieve maximum utilisation of all tourism investment and to provide increased employment in the tourist industry.
