Vol. 513 No. 5
21 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the reason for the drop in the rate of growth of tourism from certain countries in continental Europe; and the specific areas causing consumer resistance. [2863/00]
Overseas tourism to Ireland has consistently out-performed world and European averages over the past number of years.
Growth in world travel slowed from 6.1% in 1994 to 2.4% in 1998, while growth in travel to and within Europe slowed from 6.4% to 3% over the same period. In contrast, Ireland has achieved an annual average growth rate of more than 7.5% over the same period.
Visitor growth to Ireland from Europe has been overshadowed by exceptionally strong growth from the US and Britain in recent years. Preliminary estimates indicate growth in visitors from the US and British markets of 12% and 9% respectively in 1999, while overseas visitor numbers from Europe grew by 3% in line with estimated growth in travel generally to and within Europe.
Within Europe, Bord Fáilte considers that Italy and the Nordic markets are emerging as the strongest growth prospects for the future. Germany and to a lesser extent, France have exhibited sluggish growth over the past few years. These more disappointing performances from our two largest continental European markets can in part be explained by prevailing economic conditions in those countries. Added to this, recent consumer research indicates that Ireland's image among German and, to a lesser extent, French consumers may be beginning to lose some of its fashionability. Consequently, Bord Fáilte has begun work, through a comprehensive review of Tourism Brand Ireland, to enhance Ireland's image in all our key overseas markets, including France and Germany.
