Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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14. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the up to date tourism figures for the north west region at the end of 2013; if he is satisfied with same in comparison to the other regions; and his Department's plans or that of the relevant tourism agencies to further promote tourism performance in 2014 in the north west. [54392/13]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The collection of statistics, including overseas visitors, is primarily a matter for the Central Statistics Office (CSO).  The CSO does not, however, provide a regional breakdown of statistics in their monthly 'Overseas Travel' publication. I am aware that Fáilte Ireland provides an estimated regional breakdown of overseas visits on an annual basis, based on research of its own as well as available CSO statistics. The most recent full year figures available are for 2012 and they show that there were 428,000 visitors to the North West in 2012 generating €112.6 million in revenue. In addition there were 570,000 domestic visitors generating revenue of €106 million. Further data is available, on a regional and county basis, in the research section of the Fáilte Ireland website under Regional Statistics and Reports.

In regard to 2013 figures nationally, it is noteworthy that trips to Ireland for the first ten months of the year were up by 7.3% compared to the same period in 2012. This increase has benefitted all regions. I have asked Fáilte Ireland to provide the Deputy with whatever information they may have in regard to the number of tourists who visited the North West region to date in 2013. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

The promotion of tourism in regional areas is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. That said, I can say that the main focus of the marketing effort overseas in 2014 will be the development and marketing of the Wild Atlantic Way, which extends along the whole West and North West coast. The allocation of €8m towards the project in Budget 2014 will enable the installation of signage and the development of the discovery points along the 2,500km route.