Overseas visitor numbers rise by 5%
Overseas travel figures released by the CSO today show an increase of 5% in visitor numbers to Ireland by more than 250,000 in the first nine months of 2005.
Strong growth in European visitors and a continuing recovery from Great Britain underpins a positive year to date in overseas visitor performance.
Mainland Europe continues to be the star performer, with visitor numbers increasing by 16% in the first nine months compared to the same period last year.
The figures also reflect a continuing recovery of the British market, with a year to date increase of 2.7%.
However, performance from the North American market has been volatile this year culminating in a flat performance for the overall nine month period.
Commenting on the results, Paul O'Toole, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland said: "We are happy to see continued growth in overall visitor numbers. This has been underpinned by an excellent performance from Europe where Germany and Spain in particular have yielded very positive results, driven largely by the huge increase in direct air access.
"The British market appears to be recovering well also, although the going remains tough, and we are still a long way from a full recovery."
O'Toole continued: "It's been a case of swings and roundabouts in the North American market. The year started poorly, picked up strongly in peak season, and levelled off again in September. Tourism Ireland is currently undertaking a major review of this market, the findings of which will be incorporated into future marketing strategy and plans."
