HC Deb 02 March 1999 vol 326 cc648-9W
Mr. Moss

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the annual revenue from tourism in Northern Ireland in each of the past five years. [72923]

Mr. Ingram

Overall revenue from visitor tourism has grown over the past 5 years. Whilst the record visitor performance recorded in 1995 has not yet been realised, the industry continues to perform above pre-ceasefire levels.

Annual Revenue from tourism in Northern Ireland in each of last 5 years
£ million
1994 1995 1996 1997 11998
Visitor 183 214 206 208 1212
Domestic 59 57 60 60 n/a
Total 242 571 266 268 n/a
1Forecast

Mr. Moss

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate she has made of the projected annual revenue from tourism in Northern Ireland in each of the next three years. [72922]

Mr. Ingram

The Northern Ireland Tourist board has set challenging targets for tourism revenue for 2001, as highlighted in its Corporate Plan 1998–2001. Their realisation will be predicated on a peaceful environment. These targets aim for increases in discretionary visitors with a higher spend per capita to be realised through more targeted marketing and effective industry partnerships.

Targets—tourism revenue
£ million
1999 2000 2001
Visitor 239 269 315
Domestic 63 65 67
Total 302 334 382

Mr. Moss

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has for grant aid to promote the tourism industry in Northern Ireland. [72944]

Mr. Ingram

In 1999–2000 the Government have made available £3.8 million for the promotion and marketing of Northern Ireland and a further £4.7 million to assist the development of tourism infrastructure. In May 1988, the Chancellor launched a £4 million Tourism Capital Challenge Fund competition specifically aimed at improving competitiveness in the tourism industry.

Mr. Moss

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to assist local authorities in Northern Ireland to establish and maintain tourism offices. [72921]

Mr. Ingram

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board co-ordinates a network of local authority Tourist Information Centres (TICs) throughout Northern Ireland. It is also currently working with the local authorities to establish a second tier of local information office. Many of the TICs received capital grant, and any additional centres may also be eligible for assistance.