Ireland’s tourism figures are on the up as North Americans keep on coming

Confidence for 2011 following success of Queen and Obama’s visits

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Overseas tourism has a critical role to play in contributing to Ireland's economic recovery. Overseas tourism business accounts for 59 percent (approximately €3.1 billion) of all tourism revenue and has the capacity to deliver even more for Ireland as part of an export-led economic renewal.

Tourism is Ireland's largest indigenous industry, contributing in excess of 4% of GNP and providing employment for over 200,000 people in every community throughout the island.

Mr. Joe Byrne, EVP United States and Canada, Tourism Ireland said: "2011 is an especially exciting year for tourism on the island of Ireland. Not only have we had the opportunity to showcase Irish hospitality at its best to a worldwide audience, during the recent Quenn Elizabeth II and US President's state visits, but a number of other great events will also be taking place such as the centenary of the launch of Titanic in Belfast, the celebrations in Dublin marking its recent honouring as a UNESCO city of literature and, of course, the Solheim Cup at the Killeen Castle in Co Meath."

Mr Byrne continued: "The new measures being introduced by the Irish Government to help boost tourism in 2011 and beyond will help to revitalize, not only the tourism industry, but the Irish economy as a whole.

"We have worked hard to build awareness for Ireland as a must see vacation destination here in North America and have aggressive multifaceted marketing and co-operational promotion programs in place with our key partners to build on the goodwill and to convert the interest in travelling to Ireland into a decision to travel.
 

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