asked the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Tourism the action he proposed to take in view of the fall-off in the number of tourists in 1983 as compared with 1982.
Written Answers. - Tourist Numbers.
201.
On the basis of preliminary results it is estimated that any reduction in overseas tourist numbers in 1983 will be marginal. Individual markets may, of course, for particular reasons register different levels of decline or growth. For example, numbers from France are likely to be down some ten percentage points as a direct result of the French Government's currency restrictions on foreign holidays imposed in early 1983. On the other hand numbers from the German market are likely to record a six per cent growth. Notwithstanding such fluctuations in numbers as between different markets, I am pleased to be able to inform the House that the total expenditure in 1983 by overseas visitors is expected to be up by about 12 per cent on 1982.
I can assure the Deputy that it will continue to be part of Government policy to encourage in every way possible the further development of tourism.