Some 3,696,000 overseas visitors came to Ireland during the first seven months of this year, an increase of 11.8 per cent on the same period in 2010.
The number of visitors from mainland Europe increased by almost 14 per cent during the same period, while those from North America also showed strong growth of 13 per cent.
Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Mr Leo Varadkar has welcomed the latest tourism figures, which show that the industry continues to exhibit signs of recovery following the big drop in visitor numbers in recent years, and expressed confidence that Ireland will exceed its targets for the tourism industry this year.
“Developments in the British market are particularly significant, as this is our largest source market. The number of visitors from Britain this year so far has grown by more than 9 per cent,” said Minister Varadkar.
“I am very pleased to see the positive trend continue through the peak season. However, it’s important to bear in mind that these figures follow the significant drop in tourism numbers in earlier years, particularly during last year’s ash cloud crisis and severe weather conditions. Market conditions are still challenging in all our main source markets and we must work harder than ever to get the message out that Ireland represents value for money,” he said.
“Nevertheless, the Government’s tourism policies are clearly working. So far we have cut VAT on tourism products, and brought in other measures on employers’ PRSI and a special visa waiver scheme.
“The improved performance to date demonstrates the importance of continuing to invest in tourism marketing and product development. I recently announced that additional resources would be provided for co-operative marketing activities with air and sea carriers and others,” said Mr Varadkar.
Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Mr Michael Ring, added that, “The Solheim Cup at Killeen Castle this week also provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase golf, which is one of the tourism products for which we are world renowned.”
Mr Varadkar said: “I would like to thank the CSO for agreeing to return to producing overseas figures each month, following the very useful engagement I had with them recently. Obviously, having up to date data is essential for the industry and the tourism State agencies for planning and decision making on overseas marketing strategy.”
