O’Donoghue expecting bumper year for tourism in 2007

Minister for Tourism John O'Donoghue has said he expects 2007 to be another bumper year for visitor numbers.

In an end-of-year statement, the minister says 2006 was a landmark year for tourism, with almost 7.5 million visitors estimated to have spent around €4.6bn during the year.

The Ryder Cup is identified as one of the main contributors to the growth.

Mr O'Donoghue says he expects the tourist industry to build on this success during the coming 12 months.

He also says he hopes to attract more major sporting events, with Ireland already lined up to host the Solheim Cup in 2011.