Tourism Ireland embarks on SA tourism drive

Tourism Ireland, the cross-border body responsible for marketing Ireland, is embarking on a major tourism drive this week in South Africa.

Joined by representatives from the tourism industry, Fáilte Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the trade mission will meet over 370 of South Africa's top trade and media contacts located in Johannesburg, Durban and Capetown.

Britain accounts for over 32% of all overseas departures by South Africans and 54% of their departures to Europe making it the most popular long-haul destination for South Africans.

Tourism Ireland aims to capitalise on this and promote Ireland as part of their package in Europe.

Tourism Ireland has already made progress in the region, with South African visitor numbers increasing by 29% to 42,570 in the period January-August last year.

There were 33,000 visitors in the period in 2002.

"The South African economy is buoyant and is currently at its strongest in five years which obviously has a positive influence on disposable income, so the timing is excellent.

"We are excited about the potential from this market and really pleased that we have such a strong Irish trade delegation with us this week including air and sea carriers, hoteliers, B&Bs and visitor attractions," said Jim Paul, Head of New & Developing Markets, Tourism Ireland.