Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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147. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a new marketing initiative to promote the winter Wild Atlantic Way, to bring more visitors to drive the Wild Atlantic Way during October to April months; his views on whether the Wild Atlantic Way is as spectacular a winter destination as a summer destination; his views on whether increasing visitor numbers in the winter months would have a significant impact on the tourism sector and wider economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4294/15]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The autumn/winter season is already recognised as being of significant importance for the tourism industry as it usually yields as much as 30% of Ireland’s annual overseas tourism business. Figures published last week by the CSO show that the number of overseas visits to Ireland grew by 7.3% between October and December 2014, when compared with the same period in 2013.  

The Wild Atlantic Way has been a key focus of Tourism Ireland’s extensive overseas promotional activity to sustain and grow tourism in the shoulder and off-peak seasons.  For example, Tourism Ireland’s €1 million end-of-year campaign, which was rolled out in Great Britain, the United States and Mainland Europe in December 2014, included several Wild Atlantic Way attractions in television, cinema and print advertising. 

Decisions on how the Wild Atlantic Way is marketed overseas is a matter for Tourism Ireland Limited, and in the case of the domestic tourism market,  it is a matter for Fáilte Ireland.  These decisions are not subject to my approval. Accordingly, I have also referred the Deputy's Question to both agencies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.