Síle de Valera
Ceist:44 Miss de Valera asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the measures, if any, being taken to combat the effects of seasonality on the even growth of Irish tourism. [10253/96]
Written Answers. - Seasonality of Tourism.
Michael Smith
Ceist:62 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade whether he has conducted a review of the measures taken under the current Operational Programme for Tourism to combat seasonality; and, if so, the new proposals, if any, that have emerged to market the off-peak season. [10252/96]
Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:64 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the proposals, if any, he has for the further development of weather-independent visitor facilities with a view to combating seasonality. [10225/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 62 and 64 together.
One of the principal objectives of the Operational Programme for Tourism 1994-99 is to encourage growth in the shoulder and off-peak periods and a range of specific policy measures and targets have been included in the programme towards that end. The programme is geared towards the provision of new or improved tourism facilities and attractions capable of operating on a year round basis, with support for related marketing activities. Many examples of such projects are contained in the annual reports of the management boards, copies of which are placed in the Dáil Library.
In 1995, the number of off-peak tourists is estimated to have increased by 18 per cent, a full three percentage points ahead of overall tourist growth for the year. The aim by the end of the programme is to have 75 per cent of visitors arriving in the off-peak periods.
The special joint home holidays initiative for the tourism industry, which I announced on 22 February, also aims to encourage increased off-peak business from the domestic market. Moreover, the new Tourism Council, which is chaired by the Minister for Tourism and Trade, has tabled an in-depth review of the seasonality issue for its next meeting in June when I look forward, in particular, to hearing the views of industry on the subject.