Written Answers. - Cross-Border Tourism Development.
James Leonard
Ceist:
45
Mr. Leonard
asked the
Minister for Tourism and Trade
if he has satisfied himself with the extent of tourism development on a cross-Border basis under the National Development Plan 1994 to 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[5752/96]
The National Development Plan 1994-99 set out the Government's intention to maintain a strategy of tourism co-operation with the authorities in Northern Ireland aimed at generating new business for the benefit of the tourism sector, North and South. Central to this strategy was the development of cross-Border amenities and the joint marketing of the island of Ireland as a quality tourist destination.
The strategy was subsequently embodied in the Community Support Framework 1994-99 and other EU Initiatives such as the Ireland/Northern Ireland INTERREG Programme 1994-99 and the Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation 1995-99.
The most important recent manifestation of the commitment to cross-Border co-operation is the Overseas Tourism Marketing Initiative, OTMI, which in 1996 involves expenditure of £6.5 million. The OTMI is a consumer advertising campaign involving a partnership between the tourism industry and the State sector, North and South, and promotes the island of Ireland as a single holiday destination in each of our four major markets, namely the US, Britain, France and Germany.
Other smaller scale promotional activities involving close co-operation between Bord Fáilte and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board include a joint marketing campaign in Holland and all island promotional stands at major trade and consumer shows around the world.
Furthermore, the Operational Programme for Tourism and the EU Initiatives already mentioned afford opportunities for local product suppliers on both sides of the Border to initiate and develop a wide range of tourism products on a cross-Border basis. Examples include walking and cycling routes, equestrian trails, waterways development and touring routes.
I am, therefore, happy that the commitment to cross-Border co-operation outlined in the National Development Plan is progressing at a significant pace and I can assure the Deputy that there will be no lack of willingness on our part to encourage and support further cooperative activities. The development of closer working relationships between Ministers, Departments and tourism agencies, North and South, will be a continuing objective of mine for the future. I believe that by co-operating together and through pooling our resources, we can help to increase our impact in the marketplace and thereby deliver substantial growth to the tourism industry in Ireland.
