O’Donoghue welcomes ongoing growth in tourist numbers

Minister for Tourism John O'Donoghue has welcomed figures showing continuing strong growth in Ireland's tourism sector.

The latest statistics show that the number of overseas visits to Ireland was up 13% in the first half of this year compared to last year.

Tourist numbers from Britain are up 11%, while the number of visitors from the rest of Europe is up 22%.

Mr O'Donoghue says he is particularly pleased with an 8.4% rise in visitors from North America due to the importance of this market to the Irish tourism industry.