Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

51. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of efforts to capitalise on the exposure of Ireland following the release of the latest movie in a franchise (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17720/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy while the tourism agencies have operational responsibility for the implementation of this policy.  

Tourism Ireland is undertaking an extensive first-half marketing campaign to build on the success of 2017 and continue to grow overseas tourism to the island of Ireland in 2018. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East, and Dublin continue to be a major focus of promotions in 2018. The organisation will continue to leverage its strength in digital and social media. Screen tourism will remain a priority, leveraging the huge global popularity of Star Wars and Game of Thrones.

During my visit to California last month, as part of the "Promote Ireland" programme around St Patrick's Day, I met with leading contacts in the travel trade, travel media and airline industries. I was delighted to visit the Lucasfilm studios and to have the opportunity to personally thank the executives there for working with us on the two most recent Star Wars films. The Star Wars films have been seen by millions of people around the world – whetting peoples' appetites to come and visit Kerry, the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland.

I was also delighted to recently announce the first ‘May the Fourth Be With You’ festival. I had been keen to mark May the Fourth in a meaningful way and Fáilte Ireland have developed a fun and enticing programme of events. Events like the outdoor screenings of the Star Wars film will provide valuable imagery for even greater exposure around the world.  This festival is not only a great celebration of the Star Wars Universe for fans but a celebration of our rugged coastline, which will further promote our outstanding natural assets at home and abroad.