Written answers

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Tourism Promotion

Photo of Timmy DooleyTimmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the analysis that has been undertaken to identify the significant fall off in tourist visits from the UK in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1599/13]

Photo of Timmy DooleyTimmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department or the relevant State agencies have initiated any new marketing strategy to address the decline in tourist visits from the UK in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1625/13]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take questions 1170 and 1172 together.

According to the latest CSO figures for January to November 2012, overall visit numbers to Ireland from overseas are on par with visit numbers in 2011.  However, our visit numbers from Britain continue to be affected by the slow pace of economic recovery and weak consumer confidence in that market, with overall trips from Britain to Ireland falling by 3.7% in the first eleven months of the year. 

While British visitors spend less and do not stay as long as other overseas visitors, Britain remains our single most important tourism market in terms of numbers of trips. The tourism agencies and I are determined to restore it to growth.  In this regard, I was pleased to welcome the recent report of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce (TRT), entitled “GB Path to Growth”, and its recommendations for restoring growth in visitors from Britain which has been reflected in the 2013 plans of the tourism agencies. A copy of the "GB Path to Growth" strategy can be downloaded from the websites of both Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

Tourism Ireland is conducting an extensive promotional programme this year focusing on our main markets, including Britain. Its campaigns will aim to boost travel to Ireland from around the globe, as well as promoting The Gathering Ireland 2013.  The Gathering Ireland 2013 will form the central focus of all tourism campaigns, with the TRT recommendations further informing marketing plans and activity in the British market.

In terms of other specific marketing strategies for the British market, as this is an operational matter for Tourism Ireland Limited, I have also referred the Deputy's questions to Tourism Ireland for additional material. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

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