asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the special plans he has for sports tourism.
Written Answers. - Sports Tourism.
51.
The Government's strategy for maximising growth in the Irish tourism sector is based on a segmented development approach and niche marketing of specific products for which there is an international demand. The development and marketing of sports tourism is a very important element in this strategy.
At present Bord Fáilte are marketing specific sports tourism packages in international markets. The operational programme for tourism which will be published shortly will also detail the investment plans the Government have for sports tourism. Finally I should mention that the Minister of State for Sport has recently been appointed to my Department to further develop the tourism potential of sport. I have asked the Minister of State to give particular attention to:
—encouraging national sporting organisations to attract major international and other events in their particular sports to Ireland;
—obtaining sponsorship from sports equipment firms to finance such events; and
—encouraging Irish sporting personalities in their exposure in foreign media to promote Ireland as a sporting and tourism destination.