Tourism leaders express fears for industry

TOURISM leaders have expressed concern about the short-term outlook for the industry as the number of overseas visitors to Ireland fell by 3% in 2008 — the first overall reduction since 2001.

The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) also reported an associated drop in revenue from foreign tourists — down 4% or €200m to €4.7 billion — which it blamed on the global economic downturn.

In its annual end-of-year review yesterday, the ITIC also warned that the recent increase in VAT rates could cost 15,000 jobs in hotels, restaurants and other visitor attractions next year.