Vol. 487 No. 3
279 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation whether there are funds included in the Vote for his Department for the promotion of various aspects of Irish tourism abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3858/98]
Bord Fáilte Éireann, which is funded under my Department's Vote, is responsible for the international marketing of Irish tourism. Included in their marketing activity is the promotion of rural tourism, angling, riding and many other products. I understand that all these products are highlighted in the board's main market books and at all the trade and consumer fairs attended by Bord Fáilte. I further understand that there are a number of co-operative marketing groups for farmhouses, angling, equestrian and other holidays who work in partnership with the board and the regional tourism authorities to promote their products.
I expect that the substantial increase in marketing funds which I have secured for Bord Fáilte will benefit niche product marketing considerably in 1998. In addition, following the mid-term review of the Operational Programme for Tourism, 1994-99, increased resources have been allocated to the marketing sub-programme, which is implemented by Bord Fáilte, specifically to support the marketing of tourism angling between now and the end of the programme.
