Minister at odds with tourists over Ireland as value for money holiday

TOURISM Minister John O’Donoghue said VAT increases in the recent Budget will not affect the numbers of visitors next year.

Tourism Ireland and Bord Fáilte yesterday unveiled plans to increase the number of tourists by 5% next year, despite the prospect of higher prices across the sector.

Mr O'Donoghue said prices in Ireland were still regarded as competitive, despite new figures which show a substantial drop in the number of overseas visitors who regard an Irish holiday as offering value for money.