Ireland bucks European tourist trend with rise in tourist numbers

THE number of tourists visiting Ireland has increased this summer despite early indications it would be a disastrous season for the industry.

Fáilte Ireland figures show the number of British, American and continental European visitors has risen by up to 7% in the past year. This bucks the trend for European tourism figures overall, which show a sharp decline of 5%. Home holidays have also shown an improvement.

However, the increase in visitor numbers has not been matched by a rise in room and bed occupancy rates, which continue to fall with B&Bs hit particularly hard.