Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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130. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which County Donegal will be promoted as a viable tourist destination, as part of Tourism Ireland's 2015 marketing plan, and as part of the Government's overall tourism objective, for the year 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9975/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Tourism Ireland is the agency with responsibility for the overseas marketing of Ireland as a tourist destination. Decisions on how Co. Donegal is marketed overseas are matters for Tourism Ireland Limited and these decisions are not subject to my approval. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Tourism Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

I am aware however, that Donegal and the North West continue to feature prominently in the agency's global marketing activity. According to the agency, in 2014 positive publicity for Donegal worth an estimated €35 million in equivalent advertising value was generated  in key markets around the world, through media visits, press releases, e-newsletters and media events.  The agency undertakes an extensive programme of familiarisation visits for influential travel and lifestyle journalists from around the world, so that they will encourage prospective holidaymakers to come to Donegal and the North West, through their articles and broadcasts about the destination. The Wild Atlantic Way also continues as a priority focus for overseas marketing activity this year.

In terms of the Government's overall tourism objectives, in the coming weeks we will launch the new Tourism Policy Statement, “People Place and Policy”, which will prioritise investment to maximise the benefits for the tourism sector in all regions in the period to 2025.  It contains ambitious growth targets and  will build on the complementary strengths of our tourism offering, including our uniquely friendly and welcoming people, the beauty and historic heritage of our places and the support and commitment of Government.  It will address issues such as a switch in focus from visitor numbers to visitor revenue, the sustainable development of our tourism infrastructure, the development of increased community engagement with tourism, and ensuring that the tourism sector has the appropriate skills to meet the needs of future visitors.