Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on developing the cultural tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32342/09]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In my address to the Fáilte Ireland National Conference in November 2008, I gave an undertaking to put in place an initiative to develop the exciting potential of cultural tourism.

The Cultural Tourism Initiative was subsequently launched on 11 February 2009, when I hosted a meeting with the heads of the State tourism agencies, cultural institutions and arts bodies. I set out the areas in which I wished to see progress, including enhancing the availability of information on cultural attractions and events and establishing a network for State agencies and institutions in the arts, culture and tourism spheres to improve interaction and further develop Ireland as a destination for cultural tourism.

A Steering Group, consisting of representatives of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, State tourism agencies, cultural institutions and State arts organisations was established to identify and pursue specific actions in line with the goals of the Initiative. Actions taken to date have included: a commitment to invest in improved signage; more cohesive integration of marketing arrangements for cultural attractions; implementation of enhanced booking facilities for theatre and event tickets; development of downloadable audio guides; and a new online event guide.

In addition, a new performing arts event is being used to evaluate best practice for future developments in cultural tourism. The Cultural Tourism Initiative is also working with the Irish Film Board to encourage the use of locations of cultural value in Ireland as venues for film and television production and tomorrow's Culture Night 2009 has been expanded to 11 towns and cities.

Separately, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism facilitated a recent meeting between the OPW and the Irish Tour Operators Association (ITOA) to assist in the development of the tourism potential of the heritage sites under the care of the OPW.

Finally, the new Discover Ireland Autumn holiday supplement, currently being distributed through the print media and tourist offices, highlights the many cultural attractions available for free or at discounted rates across the country to encourage domestic tourists to explore our rich cultural heritage.