andMr. Harte asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will indicate the most recent estimate made of the possible earnings from the tourist industry for the 1972 season.
20.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourism Statistics.
14.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will indicate the estimated number of tourists who visited this country during the first four months of (a) 1970 and (b) 1972; whether there has been a decline in number; if so, if he will give reasons; and what proposals the Government have for this important sector of the economy.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 20 together.
The information requested in relation to tourist numbers for the first four months of 1970 and 1972 is not available as the Central Statistics Office compile official estimates of visitors, including tourists, who come to this country, on a calendar year basis only. I am, however, informed by Bord Fáilte that they estimated that the number of tourists from abroad in the first four months of 1972 was 221,503, which represents an increase of 26,503 on the figure of 195,000 for the corresponding period of 1970. Northern Ireland traffic is not included as figures for tourists from that area are available on an annual basis only.
Bord Fáilte estimate that total tourist earnings for 1972 will fall by 21 per cent to £83.1 million on the board's estimate of £103.9 million for earnings in 1971 and that most of the decrease will be attributable to the British and Northern Ireland markets. The "Discover Ireland" campaign is expected to help considerably to offset the fall-off in traffic from these markets by achieving a substantial increase in the number of Irish people who will spend holidays at home in Ireland this year. The board's estimate will be revised as the season progresses in the light of traffic trends and marketing intelligence.
During recent months I have given the House detailed information on the promotional and marketing activities being carried out by Bord Fáilte, in association with other State companies involved in tourism, the regional tourism organisations and private tourist interests for the promotion of holidays in Ireland in 1972. The Government, in recognition of the importance of the industry, are providing £8.35 million for Bord Fáilte this year. This represents an increase of more than £2 million on the amount originally allocated in 1971-72.