Rise in visitor numbers in tourist sector

The Fáilte Ireland Tourism Barometer for September found that two thirds of operators reported increased visitor numbers and for the first time since the start of the financial crisis, hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs have all reported a jump in visitor numbers.

Good weather and The Gathering have been cited as contributors to the rise in numbers and the vast majority of operators are confident they can maintain the gains for the rest of the year. Fáilte Ireland CEO Shaun Quinn said the sector has gone through a rough patch but has emerged at the other side.

“This report is a realistic snapshot of where the industry is at today and shows us that the tourism tide is very much on the turn.

“Encouragingly, there has been growth across all the sectors — accommodation, attractions, and restaurants — as well as feedback that the overseas market is performing well for tourism businesses — in particular North America,” he said.

“For us in Fáilte Ireland, these findings are clear evidence The Gathering, as well as recent Government initiatives, have helped to provide the jump-start we hoped they would,” he said.

Minister of State for Tourism Michael Ring said the Government has implemented a range of initiatives to insure that the sector continues to grow.

“This Government has put tourism front and centre of our recovery from the start.

“The recent budget maintains the VAT rate at 9% and also reduced the air travel tax to €0. So I am delighted to see that sentiment in the industry is so high.

“We have seen very significant growth in jobs, revenue and visitor numbers over the last couple of years, and the budget measures will build on that momentum and help the industry to remain competitive and provide good value,” he said.