Ireland fifth tourist spot for US visitors

IRELAND remains one of the top six countries Americans would like to visit, according to a poll.

Research by the US company Harris Interactive showed Ireland is in fifth place as the ideal tourist destination. Australia is the number one holiday choice, followed by Italy, Britain and France.

The internet poll asked a nationwide cross section of 2,242 US adults what country they would choose to visit if cost was not a factor.

The result is a boost for the Irish tourism industry, which relies heavily on visits from the 40 million-strong Irish-American diaspora.

But the tourist industry will be aware that if cost was taken into account, the country’s ranking could be much lower.

Last week, tourism minister John O’Donoghue told restaurateurs Ireland was no longer a low-cost destination.

“Ireland is not a cheap holiday destination as some overseas locations are. Nor is it a cheap place to do business. But when we get it right, Ireland can offer great value for money,” he said.

Tourism Ireland, the organisation responsible for marketing Ireland overseas, has launched a €12 million advertising campaign in the US and other countries.