Report outlines reasons for 37% fall in tourism in west of Ireland

An open sky policy and the advent of budget airlines are key factors in the recent decline in overseas visitors to the West, according to a new report.

The new report is being launched by the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation in Galway city today.

The Confederation says demand for tourism in western counties has dropped by an estimated 37% between 1999 and 2010.

The report suggests that the hospitality industry in the region needs to focus more on promoting local heritage and food, and create reasons to visit the region.