Written Answers Nos. 1 - 32
12. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the national aviation policy will be published; if the policy will contain measures to redress the decline in passenger numbers at Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27135/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the public consultation process over the last year a draft National Aviation Policy for Ireland was published on 21 May 2014 and is available on my Department’s website. The consultation process covered all elements of aviation policy and the draft National Aviation Policy takes account of the submissions received. Stakeholders now have an opportunity to provide further input before the policy is formally adopted and published. The closing date for submissions is 31 July. The new policy will be designed to ensure that the right conditions exist for a flourishing aviation industry into the future. It will facilitate the expansion of the industry, help make it more competitive, tackle barriers to growth and facilitate the development of new air transport links. I expect to publish the National Aviation Policy later in the year.
Cork airport is an important part of Ireland's civil aviation infrastructure and this was highlighted during the consultation process. It is Ireland's second busiest airport after Dublin. The Government has already decided that the future of Cork airport is best safeguarded by it remaining for the present as part of the DAA. I am conscious of the importance of Cork Airport in the development of the economy of the region as a whole and, in particular, for tourism. DAA has established a Development Council for Cork airport which will provide for strong engagement with, and alignment among, key stakeholders in the Cork region. It will serve to foster a common understanding, particularly at local level, of issues of concern, potential opportunities for growth and the operating performance of the airport. I hope the Council will be successful in its work, as a vibrant Cork Airport will ultimately benefit both Cork and the wider region.
14. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the work of the interdepartmental working group considering the establishment of a pay-as-you-go road tax scheme for HGVs here similar to that introduced in the UK, in view of the pressures facing road hauliers at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27388/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to Question 8.
15. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on the performance of the tourism sector here to date in 2014, in comparison with the previous two years and projecting forward for the rest of the year, including the increased numbers in employment. [27315/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most recent CSO figures for overseas visits to Ireland show that visitor numbers grew by 7.5% in the period from February to April 2014 when compared to the corresponding period of 2013. 2014 looks set to be the fourth year of consecutive growth in overseas visitor numbers according to these figures. Since the Government came to office, the total number of international visitors coming to Ireland per annum has increased by more than a million and is likely to exceed 7 million this year.
The recently published CSO Tourism & Travel release provides a breakdown of the purpose of visits, as well as expenditure and choice of accommodation for the first quarter. The number of trips to Ireland in the key target market of holidaymakers rose by 7.5% in the first quarter of 2014, when compared with the same period in 2013. Although spending by overseas visitors remained more or less flat when compared to 2013, this may reflect the fact that Easter fell in the second quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2013. In overall terms overseas revenue has increased from under €3.7 billion in 2011 to over €4.1 billion in 2013 - an increase of over 12 per cent.
The buoyancy in the sector is also being reflected in employment numbers. By the end of last year, it was estimated by the CSO that 137,000 people were employed in the accommodation and food service sectors alone. This represented an increase of almost 14% or 17,300 extra jobs since 2012. Fáilte Ireland estimates that total tourism employment is approximately 200,000 and could grow by 6-8,000 this year on current trends.
The most recent CSO Quarterly National Household Survey reported that seasonally adjusted employment in the accommodation and food sector increased by 14,000 from the first quarter of 2014 when compared to the equivalent period in 2013. That is an increase of 11% in the year to Quarter 1 2014. It is also equal to the highest ever employment figure for the sector in the first quarter, which was recorded in Q1 2007.
16. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the possibility of building the new road from Kerry to Cork via Ballyvourney and Macroom to Ovens; if he recognises the economic need for this new road and that it would make Kerry far more attractive for foreign direct investment and tourism by cutting journey times from Cork, that it would provide opportunities for many Kerry persons to commute to jobs in Cork safely and in viable travel times and that it would have a positive impact on health care provision, in view of the large volume of persons that travel from Kerry to Cork daily for medical treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27095/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted that the overall Ballyvourney to Ovens scheme has been divided into 2 sections; namely Ballyvourney to Macroom and Macroom to Ovens and that the first section (Ballyvourney to Macroom) is considered the higher priority by the NRA.
The general approach I have taken to future capital projects is to keep under review projects at various stages of planning and design which have been evaluated and appraised in order to have a pipeline of suitable "shovel ready" projects ready to avail of any funding opportunities that may arise. The N22 Ballyvourney - Macroom project which has been approved by An Bord Pleanála and where land is being acquired is such a project. This project could be advanced as a PPP in the future. Given the state of the public finances it will only prove possible in the medium term to advance projects such as this through PPPs rather than direct Exchequer funding.
Work has started on the preparation of the next capital programme. As the Deputy will appreciate, I will have to prioritise the maintenance and upkeep of existing infrastructure and the scope for progressing new projects under this programme will very much depend on the level of funding available. However I recognise the benefit of this road to the counties of Cork and Kerry and am keen to see it progressed if possible.
17. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has completed its assessment of the report submitted by Cork County Council in 2013 on the proposals to upgrade the N71 between Bandon and Skibbereen; the present status of this proposal; the possible timetable for the completion of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27104/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Furthermore, within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual national road projects, such as the N71, is a matter for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
My Department had no record of a report from Cork County Council on proposals to upgrade the N71 between Bandon and Skibbereen. However following inquiries I understand that while a report on this scheme was first prepared in October 2008, the report was updated subsequently and the most recent update was in August 2013. Following the Deputy's query and following contact with both the NRA and Cork County Council, the Department has clarified that the August 2013 report divides the full scheme into 8 sections and prioritises those sections that would bring the most benefits. The total estimated cost for the improvement works is €74.82m. To date the NRA has not been in a position to progress this proposed project.
The Government’s Comprehensive Review of Expenditure 2015-2017 and Capital Review 2015-2019 have commenced. The Current and Capital Reviews will consider new ways of achieving Government objectives in the current tight fiscal climate, including the extent to which funding will be available for the maintenance and development of the road network. I cannot say at this point what the outcome of the Comprehensive Review and of the Capital Review process will be.
18. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the 2014 sports capital programme; when it will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27096/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to be able to launch the 2014 round of the Sports Capital Programme earlier this year. €40 million is available for allocation. The 2,036 applications received under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. Every application will be assessed by one official and reviewed by another. Given the number of applications received and the detail contained therein, this process takes a number of months to complete. I hope to announce allocations in the next number of weeks.
Applications are first checked to ensure eligibility. All eligible applications are initially assessed against five criteria, namely the likelihood of increasing participation and/or improving performance and sharing of facilities, level of socio-economic disadvantage in the area, technical merits of the project, level of own funding available and level of Sports Capital Programme funding received in the past. These criteria are designed to give higher scores to applications that increase participation, where facilities will be shared, that are from designated disadvantaged areas, that have not received substantial funding in the past and that are ready to be progressed as soon as possible.
In deciding the final allocations within each county, Minister Varadkar and I will have regard to a number of additional factors, including: ensuring a geographic spread of projects within each county; ensuring an appropriate spread of projects between rural and urban areas within each county; and ensuring that there is a spread of projects among different sports.
19. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of proposals for the Bonagee link project to provide a new inner relief road and bridge across the River Swilly into Letterkenny; the projected cost of delivering the project; the amount that has been spent to date; his plans for funding it in the immediate future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27380/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to my earlier answer to the same question from the Deputy.
20. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on an official Fáilte Ireland tour map (details supplied) which is widely distributed to American holiday makers travelling here; his views on whether the people of the south east of Ireland, in particular County Waterford, are adequately represented by this: if he will make a commitment to directing Fáilte Ireland to include Waterford in any further publication of this nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27379/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the matter raised by the Deputy concerns the Explore Ireland map, which is jointly produced by Tourism Ireland and the Ordnance Survey of Ireland. As the Deputy will be aware, Tourism Ireland is the organisation that markets the island of Ireland overseas as a compelling holiday and business tourism destination. Fáilte Ireland did not produce the map.
The Explore Ireland map is a full Ordnance Survey map of the island of Ireland, tailored for the international visitor, with tourist information on the reverse side, including various suggested car tour itineraries in Ireland. The segment of the tour from Dublin to Tramore in Co. Waterford does not pass through Waterford City. I have been recently advised by Tourism Ireland that the next edition of the map will include Waterford City in a new selection of tours.
Other publications produced recently by Tourism Ireland feature Waterford, including touring and city focused publications featuring the Viking Triangle and Waterford City generally. A classic driving tour guide was featured at the World Travel Market in London last November and has been used extensively since then, in particular in the Great Britain market. Furthermore, I am assured that Tourism Ireland continues to highlight Waterford city and its environs, and the fact that Ireland’s oldest city is celebrating 1,100 years in 2014. Waterford City and its events, history, heritage, gardens, outdoor and other activities, the Viking Triangle, the Copper Coast and many other aspects of the area feature prominently in Tourism Ireland’s 2014 marketing communications overseas. I am advised by Tourism Ireland that last year alone, it generated over €24 million (in advertising equivalent values) in positive publicity for Waterford and the South East in key markets overseas.
21. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will make funds available to upgrade the R624, Fota Road, and Slatty Bridge which connects Cobh to the mainland. [27093/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded from these monies is a matter for each local authority.
I am familiar with the R624 Cobh Road project which Deputy Stanton has raised with me on a number of occasions, most recently last Friday when I was at the Irish Open. I appreciate the need to upgrade access to Cobh island. However the position at present is that we do not have the funds to complete a project of this scale.
For the Deputy's information, an application was received from Cork County Council in 2010 for 100% funding of the R624 Cobh Road Project. This project involves the construction of a new road and bridge at an estimated cost of close to €60 million under the Strategic Regional and Local Roads Programme. The reduced funding available for regional and local roads has meant that it has been necessary to suspend grant allocations for major new road and realignment schemes and concentrate resources on the maintenance and rehabilitation of road pavements. Given the reduction in the available funding the Department is not, at this time, in a position to make a commitment to major improvement projects such as the Cobh scheme.
22. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the network of greenways across the country; if he will provide an update on the greenways canal route between Dublin, Sallins and Naas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27097/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government fully supports the development of greenways. In recent months, more than €16 million has been allocated to the delivery of cycle projects nationally, with the majority of funding been invested in off-road greenways. €10 million of this amount was provided under the recently announced stimulus package for infrastructure development.
In relation to County Kildare, the National Transport Authority (in cooperation with Kildare County Council) is the body responsible for the delivery of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Detailed plans for the development of cycling infrastructure in Kildare are contained in the National Transport Authority's Cycle Network Plan for the GDA. I am copying your request to the NTA for follow up in relation to delivery timeframes. Please contact my office if you have not received a response from the NTA within 10 working days of this response. It should be noted that responsibility for local area cycle infrastructure development rests with Kildare County Council as the competent authority.
Separately, my Department received two proposals from the Council under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 for the delivery of the Arthur's Way Greenway and sections of greenway between Maynooth to Longwood along the Royal Canal. While the applications submitted by the Council were of a high standard, competition was strong and it was not possible to award funding to these projects under the Programme. However, Kildare has subsequently received funding for the Arthur's Way project from the Stimulus fund.
It is likely, given the popularity and success of greenways already delivered, that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years and I look forward to the participation of Kildare County Council in future funding initiatives. It will be a matter for the Council to prioritise greenway projects within the county and to examine the merits of projects, such as the canal greenway between Dublin, Sallins and Naas, in conjunction with the NTA's Cycle Network Plan.
23. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of applications received by his Department this year under the sports capital grants scheme; if he will indicate the timescale for completion of the application process; when he expects to be in a position to confirm the applications that have been deemed successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27378/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to be able to launch the 2014 round of the Sports Capital Programme earlier this year. €40 million is available for allocation. The 2,036 applications received under the 2014 Sports Capital Programme are currently being assessed by officials in my Department. Every application will be assessed by one official and reviewed by another. Given the number of applications received and the detail contained therein, this process takes a number of months to complete. I hope to announce allocations in the next number of weeks.
Applications are first checked to ensure eligibility. All eligible applications are initially assessed against five criteria, namely the likelihood of increasing participation and/or improving performance and sharing of facilities, level of socio-economic disadvantage in the area, technical merits of the project, level of own funding available and level of Sports Capital Programme funding received in the past. These criteria are designed to give higher scores to applications that increase participation, where facilities will be shared, that are from designated disadvantaged areas, that have not received substantial funding in the past and that are ready to be progressed as soon as possible.
In deciding the final allocations within each county, Minister Varadkar and I will have regard to a number of additional factors, including: ensuring a geographic spread of projects within each county; ensuring an appropriate spread of projects between rural and urban areas within each county; and ensuring that there is a spread of projects among different sports.
24. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has made a decision in his position as a shareholder in relation to the recommendations of the expert panel convened to deal with the IASS pension deficit. [27338/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcomed the report of the Expert Panel that was published on 16 June. It has been clear for a long time that any solution to this issue will require significant contributions from both the employers and the members of the scheme. The Panel’s task was to identify the fairest way to distribute the burden, while addressing a range of other impediments. I have urged all parties to the scheme to give the report very careful consideration, use its recommendations as the basis for timely constructive engagement, and achieve a resolution in the best interests of all parties. This represents the last best chance to resolve this long-standing problem and to give the scheme members certainty about their future pension entitlements.
Aer Lingus has stated that it is reviewing the recommendations of the report and it will issue a further announcement to shareholders in due course. The company has made it clear that any proposal to address the deficit in the IAS scheme would be subject to shareholder approval. However, there are a number of steps to be completed before the matter is put to shareholders. I would in principle be in favour of a proposal put to the shareholders based on the recommendations of the Expert Panel Report. However, a final decision would have to await consideration of the company's proposal to shareholders and consultation with my Cabinet colleagues.
25. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to extend the network of greenways across the country, with specific reference to County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Transport Authority (in cooperation with Kildare County Council) is the body responsible for the delivery of cycling infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). Detailed plans for the development of cycling infrastructure in Kildare are contained in the NTA's Cycle Network Plan for the GDA. I am copying your request to the NTA for follow up in relation to delivery timeframes. Please contact my office if you have not received a response from the NTA within 10 working days of this response. It should be noted that responsibility for local area cycle infrastructure development rests with Kildare County Council (KCC) as the competent authority.
Separately, my Department received two proposals from KCC under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 for the delivery of the Arthur's Way Greenway and sections of greenway between Maynooth to Longwood along the Royal Canal. While the applications submitted by the Council were of a high standard, it was not possible to award funding under the NCN Programme as the number of applications significantly outweighed the level of funding available at that time. However, KCC have subsequently received the full amount of funding requested for the Arthur's Way Greenway from the recently announced €200 million Stimulus Package. €10 million of this package was earmarked for the development of cycling infrastructure.
I look forward to the participation of KCC in future funding initiatives. It is likely, given the popularity and success of the greenways already delivered, that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years. It is also worth noting that the EU Structural Funds Programme 2014 to 2020 is currently being finalised and there may be significant opportunities for cycle infrastructure development and promotion under the various sub programmes. I understand that many local authorities are already positioning themselves to avail of such opportunities.
26. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration is being given to assisting mountain rescue teams with the purchase of new vehicles which are essential in the performance of the organisations' duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27111/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the current arrangements concerning mountain rescue teams (MRTs) create some confusion. Under Ireland's Framework for Emergency Management, MRTs fall under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality and are coordinated and tasked by An Garda Síochána. However, my Department does administer a grant scheme to the mountain rescue teams and the Coast Guard also chair the National Coordinating Committee for Mountain and Cave Rescue (NCCMCR). This creates a level of confusion as to which Department is responsible for funding and supporting MRTs. I have discussed this with my colleague Minister Fitzgerald and we are keen to examine this issue and end the perception of MRTs falling between two stools, so to speak.
Separate to this, on foot of Deputy Kyne's suggestion late last year, I undertook to consider the possibility of providing a capital grant to assist mountain rescue services. I asked my officials to examine this. Given the role of MRTs in supporting participation in mountaineering and hill walking, I am now in a position to announce a special once-off sports capital allocation of €200,000 to mountain rescue services. These funds are to be used for the purchase of vehicles and equipment, with the precise details to be arranged between my Department and Mountain Rescue Ireland.
27. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the public transport performance in the year to date; the initiatives that will be taken to increase use of public transport; if a special dedicated approach will be implemented for cities outside of Dublin, such as Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27136/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth Minister Varadkar and I have regular meetings with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and transport operators to progress one of our key objectives of increasing the number of people using public transport by 2% this year, or 5 million journeys. The most recent figures to mid-May show that passenger numbers have increased by 3.4%. The NTA together with the transport operators have launched a number of promotions to encourage people to use public transport and a number of other initiatives are planned for this year.
At national level, the NTA also manages, on behalf of my Department, the Regional Cities Public Transport Programme, which covers the cities of Cork, Waterford, Galway and Limerick. Their remit includes the provision of Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG), where funding is provided for various traffic management, bus priority and sustainable projects, such as improvements to cycle and walking routes. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA to respond in relation to the specific initiatives being undertaken to increase public transport patronage and the funding provided for projects in regional cities. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
28. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on tourism performance in the year to date and since this Government came into office both in terms of visitor numbers and employment. [27266/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my answer to question 15 answered earlier.
29. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a further report on the work of the criminal justice (fixed charge processing system) working group; and the recommendations and actions that have been outlined by the group regarding the much needed implementation of section 44 of Road Traffic Act 2010. [27103/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first report of the Criminal Justice Working Group, established following the publication of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate report into the Fixed Charge Processing System, will be submitted to Government in July and the progress made to date towards resolving the technical and administrative issues to allow for commencement of Section 44 of the Road Traffic Act 2010 will form part of that report. A sub-group of the Criminal Justice Working Group has been examining the issues to be addressed to give effect to Section 44 of the Road Traffic Act 2010, known as the 3rd payment option. The sub-group and the Working Group itself is identifying what changes to existing systems, including IT systems, and the practices and procedures of the Gardaí and the Courts Services are necessary so that this option can be implemented.
30. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will indicate the publication date of the national aviation policy document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27382/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the public consultation process over the last year, a draft National Aviation Policy for Ireland was published on 21 May 2014 and is available on my Department’s website. The consultation process covered all elements of aviation policy and the draft National Aviation Policy takes account of the submissions received. Stakeholders now have an opportunity to provide further input before the policy is formally adopted and published. The closing date for receipt of submissions is 31 July.
The new policy will be designed to ensure that the right conditions exist for a flourishing aviation industry into the future. It will facilitate the expansion of the industry, help make it more competitive, tackle barriers to growth and facilitate the development of new air transport links. I expect to finalise, adopt and publish the new National Aviation Policy before the end of 2014.
31. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the success of The Gathering 2013 in terms of tourism generated and the promotion of Ireland to the world; the amount of Government funding allocated to the promotion of The Gathering 2013; the estimated revenue directly generated as a result of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27377/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking closely with Fáilte Ireland which supported local communities and other stakeholders in creating the many gatherings and events around the country, the Gathering Ireland 2013 was also a major focus of Tourism Ireland’s overseas promotions throughout 2012 and 2013. In this regard, the agency engaged with the Irish diaspora worldwide and undertook an increased focus on the promotion of roots tourism. Tourism Ireland estimates that the international marketing of The Gathering Ireland reached 200 million people worldwide through a wide range of media and promotional activity. Publicity was an integral element of the promotional programme; 1,500 international journalists visited during the year and subsequently wrote and broadcast about the Gathering, generating an estimated €75 million in positive publicity worldwide.
A designated budget of €12 million was provided for the project by my Department; €5 million in 2012 and a further €7 million in 2013. This was supplemented by a further €1 million provided by Fáilte Ireland. The €13 million core funding was supplemented by a range of cash and non-cash supports leveraged by The Gathering from key partners. The provision of a substantial range of supports by the Dublin Airport Authority and a €1 million Gathering event fund provided by IPB Insurance Ltd were chief among the partner supports secured. Independent research undertaken on behalf of Fáilte Ireland indicates that in 2013 between 250,000 and 275,000 overseas visitors to Ireland travelled specifically because of ‘the Gathering’. This growth in visitor numbers, directly attributable to the Gathering, was estimated to be worth approximately €170 million in revenue in 2013.
32. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has completed his review of tourism policy here. [27090/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tourism Policy Review commenced in September 2013 when Minister Ring and I launched a consultation document, raising a series of questions regarding policy priorities, and inviting comments and responses from tourism industry stakeholders. Over 170 submissions were received in response to the consultation document, from a wide variety of interested parties. Reflecting the diverse nature of tourism itself, a wide range of issues emerged in this feedback. The consultation process was also progressed by means of a series of regional seminars, each of which was chaired by me or Minister Ring. These seminars involved an invited group of regional tourism actors, designed to maximise constructive discussion of the questions raised.
Following examination of all the written submissions, and the issues raised in the regional seminars, a Draft Tourism Policy Statement has now been prepared in my Department and I am currently making final drafting amendments to it. A key aspect of this statement is a switch in focus from targeting growth in overseas visit numbers to targeting overseas visitor revenue, which is the key measure of the substantive economic impact provided by tourism. I will publish the Draft Policy Statement shortly to allow a brief period for further feedback from tourism stakeholders. A finalised Tourism Policy Statement will then be brought to Government for approval.
