The overseas travel figures released by the CSO which indicate an increase of 4% in visitor numbers in the first six months of 2005 have been welcomed by Tourism Ireland. Mainland Europe, one of Ireland’s key target markets, performed exceptionally well increasing by 19%, (132,000 visitors) over the same period last year. The figures also indicate the start of a welcome recovery in the British market, following a levelling off in 2004.
The drop in visitor numbers from North America and New & Developing markets in the first six months is very disappointing, particularly considering that the North American and NDM markets had shown a strong recovery in 2004. However, North America is proving volatile this year particularly for Northern Europe. Great Britain, for example, has seen a fall of 7% in North American visitors in the first six month period.
Commenting on the results, Paul O’Toole, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland said: “Obviously we are pleased that overall visitor numbers have increased, and in particular to see such strong growth from Europe which has helped buoy the first six month period. We have seen the fruits of our air access development and co-operative marketing programmes with air carriers and airports with a massive 40% increase in direct air access from Mainland Europe which is 31,000 more seats than last summer.
I am also happy to see what looks like the start of a turnaround in the British market, our largest market and a backbone of the Irish tourism industry’s business, accounting for almost half of all our tourism revenue. Following a major review last year, we undertook intensive work to reinvigorate the Great Britain market and maintained a continuous advertising presence as well as a strong region-to-region focus in our campaigns. This appears to have had positive results and we will build on this momentum to grow the business even more from our most important market.
The decline in the North American market is disappointing, although the figures do show a recovery in June, the start of our peak season. There is an increase of 7% which is the highest June figure for North American visitors since 2001, which is a positive result. It remains to be seen, however, if this level of progress can be sustained, given the probable effect of the London bombings on the number of North American visitors who travel to Ireland via Great Britain, currently estimated to be in the region of 40%.” he concluded.
ENDS
For further information:
Fiona Scott, Tourism Ireland: 01-476-3429