I propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 82, 83, 86, 91, 92, 95, 96, 99, 102, 105, 108, 117, 118, 120, 210, 223, 225, 227, 228, 243, 250 and 251 together.
There is a long response to these questions, parts of which are new. With the agreement of Deputies I will omit those parts of the answer which overlap with answers to previous questions.
No official estimates are as yet available on the loss of tourism business from the United States or elsewhere arising from the tragic events of 11 September 2001. However, while it may still be too early to assess the overall impact on international travel patterns, it is clear the terrorist attacks will impact on visitor numbers to Ireland, in particular from America, for the balance of this year and into 2002, probably leading to the first annual decline in visitor numbers for a decade. Under the framework of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, published in November 1999, a number of indicators and targets have been set for tourism performance over the life of the plan. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism were projected to grow at an annual average rate of 5%, while a reduction of 2% was targeted over the seven year period in the number of visitors arriving during the peak July-August period. In addition, an increase of 3% in the proportion of total out-of-State tourism revenue accruing to the Border, midlands and western region was targeted over the life of the plan.
For the year 2000, the first full year of the NDP, foreign exchange earnings from tourism increased by approximately 15% – well ahead of the target of 5% – while there was a reduction by 1% in the number of visitors arriving during the peak July-August period. Progress against the regional target was also satisfactory, with a gain of more than 2% in the proportion of tourism revenue accruing to the BMW region. While the above outcome is encouraging, caution must be exercised in interpreting the results for a single year in the context of multi-annual target setting. It is inevitable that the recent unexpected setbacks will make the achievement by industry of the NDP targets more challenging over the life of the plan.
Meanwhile, the new chief executive of Tourism Ireland Limited, Mr. Paul O'Toole, spearheaded the review of marketing plans for 2002, which culminated in the launch on 7 November in Dublin and Belfast of marketing plans for 2002 and details of a new and exciting TV and print international advertising campaign for the island of Ireland, developed at a cost of approximately £4 million. The plans for 2002 will be flexible in nature to take account of the changing circumstances arising from the events of 11 September. The focus on Britain, our nearest and largest market, will be emphasised by Tourism Ireland Limited in the light of recent events. There is an opportunity for the short breaks and additional holiday market and Ireland is well positioned as a destination that is easily accessible by sea, particularly for the own car segment. Tourism Ireland Limited also intends to revive the holiday market from Europe during 2002 through prioritising geographic markets, by selectively encouraging and supporting new access gateways and routes into Ireland and by fostering switch selling by tour operators. Particular importance is attached to the partnership approach with industry and there has been extensive consultation, including two meetings of the Tourism Marketing Partnership, in the drawing up of these plans. I believe the TMP, rather than the reactivation of the High Level Foot and Mouth Industry Group, is the best mechanism to input the views of the tourism industry present.
Since taking office the Government has allocated significant funding to tourism. Under the national development plan, a total of £350 million has been earmarked for product marketing and human resource development. The first ever multi-annual tourism marketing fund has been established, with a commitment of £150 million over seven years.
As regards calls for rates relief by the Irish Hotels Federation, I should point out that such relief is primarily a matter for the local authorities and the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.
The tourism industry has matured greatly in recent years and has built up a tremendous product base which makes Ireland a very attractive international tourist destination. I welcome the response of many businesses in the sector who are already readjusting their marketing and pricing strategies to secure extra business in the current difficult climate. We must maintain competitiveness and keep prices as attractive as possible. I am confident the recent attractively priced offers from the air and sea carriers, accommodation providers and others will begin the process of working our way out of present problems. The Irish population and Irish businesses can play their part too in taking a decision to holiday and hold conferences at home and I have specifically written to my ministerial colleagues asking them to encourage their Departments and agencies to hold conferences and events in Ireland whenever possible.
We have had nine uninterrupted years of growth in tourism. The years 2001 and 2002 will undoubtedly be challenging but we have a strong and vibrant industry with the strength to get through this unprecedented crisis and I believe we will do so.