asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry the improvements, if any, which have occurred in the extent and accuracy of data relating to tourist types and their expenditure patterns between 1979 and 1986.
Written Answers. - Survey of Overseas Tourists.
48.
The basic mechanism for gathering Irish tourism statistics has been Bord Fáilte's survey of overseas travellers.
In 1981, the Bord, in conjunction with the Central Statistics Office, established the country of residence survey to improve the extent of information available on tourist traffic. Up to 1985 these estimates were based mainly on information obtained at departure points in Ireland. Last year, with a view to achieving greater accuracy, estimates also took into account information gathered from passengers at arrival points. The introduction of this survey has extended and increased the accuracy of Bord Fáilte's own survey of overseas travellers.