Vol. 424 No. 6
73 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications the impact of tourism on this country to date in 1992; if Government targets have been met; the reasons for the discrepancy between Bord Fáilte claims of tourist numbers and the disappointing experience of hoteliers, registered guest house owners and leisure operators; the steps, if any, which are being put in place to improve the situation for 1993; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The latest estimates available from the Central Statistics Office relate to the first six months of 1992 and show visitor numbers up on last year by 4 per cent for the first six months of the year and overseas revenue up by 5 per cent for the first quarter. Although visitor numbers are behind the five year target set by Government, revenue estimates indicate at this stage that the targeted £500 million increase in foreign revenue over the period 1988-93 is likely to be achieved. Revenue growth should ensure that job creation targets for the industry are also met. Between 1989 and 1991 employment sustained by tourism increased by an estimated 19,000 jobs. The five year target is to create an additional 25,000 jobs in the Irish economy between 1989 and 1993.
Some industry sources have been reported as stating that first half year increases this year in visitor numbers were not reflected in booking levels. One possible reason is the expansion which has taken place in accommodation in recent years with an extra 33,000 tourist beds now on the market, up almost 50 per cent on 1987. As a result, despite visitor growth, increased occupancy levels expected by some operators at the beginning of the season may not have been achieved.
Next year will mark the final year of the Government's five year EC co-funded programme for the development of Irish tourism. To date over £164 million has been expended on capital developments under the programme, of which £77 million came from the EC, and a number of new and improved facilities will be open for their first full tourism season in 1993. These facilities cover a wide range of tourist products including culture and heritage and outdoor holiday pursuits and will be amongst the best available in Europe.
There will also be increased marketing activity next year. On top of Bord Fáilte's normal promotional and marketing activities, there will also be additional marketing expenditure of £12 million under the programme in 1993 on selling Ireland in overseas markets, with particular emphasis on generating off-peak business, and promoting Ireland's new range of tourist products.
