Phil Hogan
Ceist:40 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade his views on the problem of seasonality as a handicap to an all year round tourist strategy; and the steps, if any, he proposes to take to tackle seasonality.
Written Answers. - Tourism Development.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the plans, if any, he has to expand the tourist industry with particular reference to extending the tourist season thereby improving job prospects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 163 together.
One of the primary objectives of the EC funded Operational Programme for Tourism 1989-1993, is to provide a range of tourist amenities and products which may be enjoyed and sold throughout the year, such as facilities for conferences, cultural pursuits, angling, golf, horseriding, language learning etc. To date over £300 million has been invested in all weather developments at some 300 locations throughout the country. Around £84 million of this investment will be by way of Structural Funds.
Another £34 million will be spent over the programme period to enable the tourism industry to market Ireland as a holiday destination on a year round basis.
In addition, Bord Fáilte will this year be spear-heading a special £2 million marketing campaign aimed at generating new business in the shoulder and off-peak periods. The board has informed me that extensive advertising campaigns for spring weekends, city breaks etc. have already taken place in Britain and other European markets, and further initiatives are planned for autumn and the following spring.
Finally, I am currently in the process of preparing the next national plan for the further development of the tourism industry over the period 1994-1997, and further measures to extend the tourism season will be among the priorities in that plan.