Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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608. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects the tourism industry to grow in the current year, having regard to recent experiences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10521/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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614. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which he expects tourism to continue to grow, on foot of the development of the Wild Atlantic Way; the specific markets he has in mind, in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10528/15]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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617. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the areas in the tourism sector that have shown the greatest potential for future development and expansion both internally and externally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10531/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 608, 614 and 617 together.

The latest CSO figures for overseas visitors to Ireland for the period November 2014 to January 2015 are very strong, confirming growth of +9.1% in overseas visits to Ireland compared to the same period in 2013-2014.  This continues the strong growth trend seen in 2014, when visit numbers increased by almost 9% for the year.

The Tourism Ireland Business Plan 2015, which was approved at the North South Ministerial Council last week, includes a target for 2015 to increase overseas visits to Ireland by 6%, and increase overseas visitor revenue by 7%.  The Business Plan includes a commitment to highlight compelling reasons to visit Ireland in 2015, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

Research that has been carried out on behalf of the tourism agencies and tourism industry has found that certain market segments have a higher likelihood to select Ireland as a destination. These are categorised as follows: 

- "Culturally Curious": Travellers in the over 45 age group taking a holiday with their partner, who wish to expand their experience by exploring new landscapes, history and culture.

- "Great Escapers":  These tend to be younger and are specifically interested in rural holidays. Great Escapers are on holiday to take time out, and experience nature at close range.

- "Social Energisers":  Younger visitors who like to holiday in groups or as couples.  They may be friends or colleagues looking for an exciting trip to a new and vibrant destination.

Tourism Ireland's overseas marketing activity is weighted towards these segments in order to provide the best return on marketing investment.

In the longer term, the new Tourism Policy Statement "People, Place and Policy - Growing Tourism to 2025" will be officially launched later this month.  The three headline targets, to be achieved by 2025 are as follows:

- Revenue from overseas tourism, excluding air fares and ferry charges, will rise from €3.3 billion in 2013 to €5 billion per year by 2025 net of inflation,

- 250,000 people employed in tourism by 2025, compared with approximately 200,000 at present.

- Attract ten million overseas visits to Ireland by 2025, compared to 7.6 million for 2014.

I look forward to working with the tourism sector and the tourism agencies to achieve the targets contained in the Policy Statement.