Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 128: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will be travelling abroad for the St. Patrick's Day festivities; and if so, the location he will be visiting; the functions he will be attending; and the groups he will meet with. [9934/06]

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

St. Patrick's Day has traditionally signalled the start of the tourism season in Ireland. With the international tourism marketplace becoming increasingly competitive and as a result of continuing global uncertainty, 2006 will prove to be another challenging year for Irish tourism and we will need to avail of all opportunities offered to us to build on the successes of recent years. The international celebration of St. Patrick is a unique opportunity to ensure that Ireland is presented as a top class tourist destination to a wide and receptive audience. The key message in Tourism Ireland's marketing programme this year is "Discover your very own Ireland".

This year, the Government will be represented in most of our key tourism markets and other countries with potential for future growth. In that context, I have urged all Government representatives to use any opportunity available during the course of their visits to promote tourism to the island of Ireland. Towards this aim, I have provided all Ministers travelling with comprehensive briefing packs on tourism, including speaking points and relevant background material on the specific markets they are visiting, which will enable them to exploit the tourism promotional opportunities these visits inevitably present.

For my part, I will travel to Britain — our largest tourism market. In Manchester, I will attend the Council of Irish County Associations' dinner and other traditional St. Patrick's Day events in the city, including Mass at the Irish World Heritage Centre and the St. Patrick's Day parade.