Mixed news in tourism survey despite increased visitor numbers

The return of overseas visitors is “giving operators much hope”, but it is not always translating into bigger profits.

Up to 56% of the businesses surveyed said they are seeing an increase in visitors from North America, with Fáilte Ireland saying there are “promising signs” from mainland Europe but the British market is “stagnant”. Picture: Getty

More than half of businesses in the Irish tourism sector are reporting increased visitor numbers this year compared to 2022, but concerns remain over profitability, a survey has found.

According to the Fáilte Ireland Tourism Barometer for May, the return of overseas visitors, particularly people from the US, is “giving operators much hope this year”.