Review: Tourism Industry must broaden market horizons

If Ireland is to continue to maintain its market share, the tourism industry must expand its focus beyond traditional core markets, according to findings of a review launched by Tourism Ireland.

The review study was undertaken in 19 new and developing markets outside Europe and North America, spanning Asia, Pacific and Gulf countries.

According to findings of the review, China and India in particular, offer significant new business potential for the tourism industry in Ireland.

To date, the island of Ireland has succeeded in attracting record visitor numbers and revenue from core markets Great Britain, North America and Mainland Europe.

This year, visitor numbers will top 9 million for the first time ever, an addition of 400,000 visitors compared to 2006.

Revenue generated by overseas tourism is forecast to grow to €4.6bn, an increase of 7.5% on 2006.

The World Tourism Organisation forecasts that the Asia-Pacific region will be one of the fastest growing outbound regions, expanding by 6.5% on average over the next 15 years.

According to the findings of the report, China and India are in the top tier of best prospects for the island of Ireland, followed by Japan and South Africa, the Gulf Countries and other Asian countries including Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand.