Tourist numbers to reach targets

IRELAND is on course to meet its target for visitor numbers this year, Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue said yesterday.

The latest figures show the number of tourists visiting the Republic in the year to end of August up 4.5% on the period last year.

“With the good out-turn for August and reports on the ground suggesting a strong performance for the industry in September, I am hopeful we can meet our overall growth target for the year,” Mr O’Donoghue said.

“We seem to be holding our own in the British market which had been our major concern this year.

“Following a spectacular performance in 2004, with growth of almost 32%, growth from the non-US long-haul markets has slowed somewhat this year.

“The results show that the US performance has strengthened following a weak start to the year and I am hopeful of a positive outcome from that market by year end.

“Mainland Europe, with an increase of almost 15% for the year to date, continues to be the star performer.”

Tourism Ireland also welcomed the figures from the Central Statistics Office.

Chief executive Paul O’Toole said further good news could be expected from the US next year.

“The recent announcement from Delta of further new transatlantic services planned for 2006 augurs well for future performance from this important market,” Mr O’Toole said.