We covered this ground approximately three weeks ago when I explained that there are three determinants for calculating the inward and outward flow of tourist numbers. First, the returns from passenger transport companies give the total passenger movement by route of travel. Second, the country of residence survey is used to estimate the distribution, by country of residence, for each route. This survey covered 185,000 inward and 209,000 outward passengers in 1995. Finally the passenger card inquiry is used to estimate, for various areas of residence, the reason for the journey, the length of stay, the expenditure and the fare costs. This survey covered 137,000 inward and 165,000 outward passengers in 1995.
These three sources are combined to provide the quarterly and annual estimates. It is the accepted practice that, using these as the three indicators, we arrive at figures which are largely comparable with those of Bord Fáilte, which are used to gauge our actual tourist figures in addition to other figures. The level of disparity between the two different sets of figures, using two different methodologies, is minimal.