Denis Naughten
Ceist:41 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the specific measures he plans to introduce to address the downturn in agri-tourism in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1850/02]
Other Questions. - Agri-tourism Industry.
As I have said, it is clear that this year will be a challenging one for all of Irish tourism. Last year the tourism sector and the general public willingly made great sacrifices to support the agricultural community. I hope this year will see tourism and farming interests working together to facilitate the maximisation of tourism potential in rural areas.
In reply to earlier questions, I outlined details of the comprehensive marketing plans for 2002 launched by Tourism Ireland Limited and Bord Fáilte. These have been designed to maximise visitor numbers by targeting and attracting a broad mix of tourists of varying age, interest and country of origin. TIL's programme budget of 27 million is the largest ever for international marketing and it is supplemented by substantial niche-product marketing funding by Bord Fáilte.
I have mentioned that one of my top priorities is to facilitate a more balanced regional spread of tourism revenue, a policy that has obvious benefits for the agri-tourism sector. This is clearly in line with Government policy on regional development and with my Department's stated objective to facilitate continued development by the tourism industry of an economic and environmentally sustainable and spatially balanced tourism sector. I also referred to the launch yesterday of Bord Fáilte's tourism product development scheme, which has been specifically designed to help less developed areas realise their potential and to stimulate new tourism growth areas.
In addition to the tourism-related strategies implemented through financial support from my Department, a number of other Departments administer schemes of particular relevance to the agri-tourism sector, particularly the Leader programmes administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Earlier rural agri-tourism programmes saw significant public and private investment in rural tourism facilities. Under the current Leader programme, 30 million has been earmarked for sustainable rural agri-tourism projects in the period to 2006. I look forward to Leader groups and tourism development agencies developing a close working relationship in the implementation of these schemes.
Specific questions about the rural agri-tourism programme can be addressed to my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Deputy Walsh.
Additional InformationHowever, it goes without saying that, in the context of 40% of the population living in rural areas, the effective implementation of the rural tourism programme under the current Leader initiatives should provide significant opportunities for people to embark on sustainable income earning activity, both on and off-farm. I am confident these initiatives, which are designed to restore business levels to those achieved in year 2000 and return the industry to the 5% growth target envisaged under the NDP, will facilitate the tourism industry's recovery from the setbacks of last year and, in the process, boost rural agri-tourism.
Has the Department or the Government carried out an analysis or an assessment of the impact of the foot and mouth crisis and the 11 September massacre on our tourism industry, particularly the agri-sector? Has the Minister or the Government plans to rationalise the different bodies which promote tourism in the State, given that they are often in competition with each other to the detriment of the tourism industry? Does the Minister agree there is duplication and overlapping of resources? What has he done or what does he plan to do in this regard?
I cannot get the figures for how the agri-tourism sector was affected. It would be impossible to define the agri-tourism sector, which is dealt with by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. There has been an impact on the sector. It is estimated there will be a 500,000 deficit this year or a 7% decrease. Revenue has remained buoyant with a decrease of only 1%. I will make inquiries for the Deputy about the agri-tourism sector. I agree there is a need for rationalisation because there are overlaps as people try to do their utmost for their specific areas. There is no co-ordination between the different groups involved. There is too much emphasis on printing lovely brochures. Unfortunately, approximately 80% of them end up in bins. I ask people to move away from print and to take advice from the regional authority to which they belong.
I am sure the Minister agrees that walking is becoming a major agri-tourism product. Is he aware of a threat by farmers to close off the countryside in the next tourism season because of changes in REPS in terms of the provision of additional grant aid if walkers are allowed on their land? The Minister may not be aware of it, but he should take it up with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.
As the agri-tourism sector comes under the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, what will become of marketing funding for the tourism sector as it requires a major boost now?
I am aware of the farming situation which is why I included it in my response. The country did very much for the farming community last year and we succeeded in keeping foot and mouth out because of a national effort. The tourism industry paid an enormous price and, as I said, there will be 500,000 fewer visitors this year which will result in an economic downtown. It is estimated that the losses may be 250 million. Both sectors co-operated last year and I encourage farmers to reciprocate.
Yesterday I launched the national product scheme and will do the same in Carlow on Friday and in Sligo next week. That includes funding for walking and cycling. We were delayed by two years in implementing a national plan over six or seven years but it has been reduced to five. There is huge potential for development as a result of product management.
We will continue to do all we can with Bord Fáilte to fund the marketing of the agri-tourism sector, which is very important as many people are dependent on it because farming is not as buoyant as it used to be. We are aware of it and introduced schemes last year which were conducive to agri-tourism. We will work with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to help that sector.