§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish figures showing the number of inquiries made to the Northern Ireland tourist board by potential holidaymakers; what further measures are proposed to encourage visitors on vacation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ancram[holding answer 14 December 1994]: For the year to date, the NITB has handled 281,411 inquires–a 28 per cent. rise on 1993. In particular, inquiries during October 1994 increased by 92 per cent. on the same period last year. NITB is planning a stepped up promotional campaign for 1995 in all its main markets to capitalise on this increasing interest.
§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recent announcement of a £6.8 million initiative to boost tourism in the island of Ireland in co-operation with the Government of the Republic of Ireland.
§ Mr. Ancram[holding answer 14 December 1994]: The tourism marketing initiative builds upon existing co-operative activities by the tourism authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It consists of a set of pilot programmes and will be concentrated on marketing the island of Ireland in the United States, Great Britain and Holland. For a limited investment by the Northern Ireland tourist board, it will bring significant benefits to an industry with considerable potential to assist economic growth throughout Ireland.