Fears for jobs as number of overseas visitors falls 10%

THE number of visits to Ireland fell sharply by more than 10% in the first half of this year, leading to fears that the declining tourist market could force further job cuts.

Figures released by the CSO reveal the number of trips here dropped by 397,600 to the end of June, compared to the same period last year.

Tourists from Britain, other parts of Europe and North America showed the largest fall-offs.

In June alone the rate of decline in overseas visits was even higher, at 15%, or 113,300 fewer trips.

Overall the biggest hit came from the huge fall-off in visits from Britain (-291,700), other parts of Europe (-62,200) and north America (-20,900).

The CSO figures show the numbers of Irish trips overseas fell by nearly 10%, or 374,000 for the first half compared.

At a crisis meeting yesterday the Irish Hotel Federation said as many as 12,000 beds and rooms lay empty.

Many hotels face closure after being built during the boom when there were tax incentives for construction.

Fáilte Ireland said the figures reflected a “very difficult season” for the sector.