asked the Minister for Transport and Power the results achieved to date with the emigrant tourism campaign in Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ethnic Tourism Campaign.
8.
Mr. O'Donnell
The ethnic tourism campaign in Britain commenced in January last and continued until the end of May. I am informed by Bord Fáilte that, to date, approximately 5,500 firm additional bookings have been made as a result of the campaign. Arrangements for a further 1,500 visitors are currently being negotiated. These figures do not include the bookings from the 11 inclusive holiday packages being offered by the Irish carriers and tour operators and the total of these is not yet known.
The board in co-operation with the GAA are at present promoting a special campaign centered on this year's All-Ireland Football and Hurling Finals in September. Considerable interest is already being shown in this campaign.
Apart from the bookings generated by the ethnic campaign, many valuable contacts for Irish tourist interests have been established in Britain and these will be of particular value in promoting traffic from Britain in future years.
Can the Minister indicate if he considers bookings are likely to be up or down on last year?
They are likely to be up in the area to which the question relates. The question relates to the ethnic tourist campaign and, as I have indicated in my reply, the figures in this regard will be up. Of course, there will be a diminution in the non-ethnic travel from Britain because of the situation in the North.
Surely the question relates to British bookings. Are these bookings up or down on last year?
The Deputy might read the question put down by Deputy O'Donnell. He has asked what were the results achieved to date with the emigrant tourism campaign in Britain. It relates to the ethnic tourist.
Most of our emigrants are in Britain.
Can the Minister state what the overall scale of reduction in tourism is likely to be this year?
That is a separate question. Question No. 8 deals with the emigrant tourism campaign. I am calling Question No. 9.
I have not got that information but I may have it shortly if the Deputy wishes to put down a question later.