Fáilte to influx of Americans with non-Irish roots

INCREASING numbers of Americans without Irish roots are visiting here, according to new research by Tourism Ireland unveiled last night.

About 30% of American visitors have no Irish connections — a trend that’s seen as a key marketing opportunity, as North Americans stay longer and spend more per head than other nationalities.

They spend approximately 60% more than the average tourist, accounting for one in every five euro spent here.