Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 36: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the anticipated growth in the tourist industry over the next four years on a county and regional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21051/06]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 96: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he anticipates growth in the tourism industry on a provincial basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21281/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 96 together.

My Department does not compile multi-annual forecasts for tourism numbers on a county or regional basis. However, the New Horizons Review of Irish Tourism Policy, published in October 2003, set ambitious growth targets for the industry up to 2012 — namely that it would attract annual visitor numbers of 10 million and €6 billion in foreign revenue by that year. This represents annual average growth rates of 5.4% in visitor numbers and 6.9% in overseas revenue.

In terms of regional growth, the Review also set out an equally ambitious target to double the number of overseas promotable visitors staying at least one night in the Border Midland and Western (BMW) region. As the Deputy will know, the so-called promotable segment of the overall tourism market is that which is most susceptible to marketing and promotion efforts. The Review did not disaggregate these targets on a county basis.

These targets were established on the basis of a number of assumptions with regard to the economic conditions prevailing in our key overseas markets and our relative competitive position internationally. They are based on a realistic assessment of the prospects for growth in the sector but are also designed to be challenging. It is important to note that these are targets, not forecasts.