Vol. 497 No. 5
58 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his views on whether Bord Fáilte provides value for money in promoting the tourism industry; and his views on whether the money would be better spent in getting private tour operators and agents to do the job. [25646/98]
I believe that, at present, the implementation of national tourism marketing and promotion policies, as developed by me and my Department, is best undertaken by a dedicated executive body such as Bord Fáilte. As the Deputy is aware, with the implementation of the central recommendations of the AD Little review of Bord Fáilte, the board is now free to devote particular attention to the defining role of promoting and marketing Ireland overseas as a tourist destination.
Of course, tourism industry practitioners also have a vital role in marketing their own products and services and in promoting the Ireland destination, whether in partnership with the State, as is the case with the overseas tourism marketing initiative, as part of a co-operative marketing group, or independently. There is no doubt but that the marketing efforts of the private sector largely complement those of the State and have contributed in no small way to the outstanding success of Irish tourism over the past decade.
59 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the steps, if any, he has taken to tackle the regional imbalance in tourism growth. [25626/98]
The latest available statistics on total tourism revenue show that all regions are enjoying tourism spending far in excess of the levels achieved in the past. Tourism revenue in every region of the country has grown faster than the international or European averages over the period 1989-97. This key achievement has tended to be overlooked when the issue of the varying levels of growth within the regions is raised.
61 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation his Department's proposals, if any, to consolidate, build and develop the tourism market; the growth in the tourism market in recent years; the impact of this growth on the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25360/98]
The further growth of Irish tourism is heavily dependent on the continued promotion of Ireland as an attractive, competitive, quality visitor destination. The focus in developing, growing and consolidating the tourism market is on developing a less peaked market, with higher yield and greater regional distribution of economic benefits. This involves a range of measures undertaken by Bord Fáilte in full partnership with the tourism trade in Ireland and, where relevant, overseas, which are designed to encourage both the consumers and trade to consider Ireland as a year round destination, with a wide variety of top class facilities and attractions throughout the country.
