CSO figures show rise in tourists to Ireland

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has released figures showing a rise in November last year of the number of overseas visitors to the country.

Tourism Ireland has welcomed the figures which they said reflected their forecast of an overall increase of over 5% in overseas visitors for 2005.

Tourist numbers from Europe increased by 33% and there was a rise in tourists from the UK.

Simon Gregory, Head of Brand Communications, Tourism Ireland said: "The statistics also show the volatility of the North American and long haul markets and we have already commenced a review of these important markets.

"Tourism Ireland is placing considerable emphasis and investment on helping to improve regional tourism spread this year," said Gregory.