Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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578. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the regional targets Tourism Ireland needs to achieve in respect of tourism visitors here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50338/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Tourism Ireland is responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a holiday and business tourism destination. It was established under the framework of the Good Friday Agreement, and is jointly funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.

At the recent launch of its 2019 Market Plans, Tourism Ireland set out its targets for 2019. Next year, it aims to grow overseas tourism revenue by +6% to €6.5 billion for the island of Ireland and to grow visitor numbers to 11.67 million (+4%).

Whilst it does not set regional targets, Tourism Ireland’s strategy for 2019 is to focus on regional and seasonal growth. Its new global campaign, ‘Fill Your Heart with Ireland’, will place a greater focus on driving growth to less visited attractions and locations, as well as on driving business in the off-peak and shoulder seasons.