Pick-up in US visitor numbers predicted

A PICK up in American business in the autumn and winter, with a roll-on into the 2004 season, was yesterday predicted by the largest tour operator into Ireland out of America.

New York-based Bert Accomando sent 73,000 visitors, or about 200 jumbo jets full, last year. This year, his numbers are down by around 30%, but he’s confident the situation will soon get better.

“Tourism Ireland should again start promoting Ireland more aggressively in America. Up to now they’ve been cautious for obvious reasons, with the war and all that, but now is the time to take the gloves off,” he said at the workshop.