Overseas visitors up 10% over peak summer period

THE number of overseas visitors to Ireland over the peak summer months rose by almost 10% compared with the same period last year.

Figures released by the Central Statistic Office show that more than 1.9 million overseas visitors came to Ireland between May and July this year — up 9.4% on 2010.

The numbers coming to Ireland from Britain, North America and mainland Europe all rose year-on-year between May and July.

The visits of the British Queen and US President Barack Obama also contributed to the increase.

However, the number of Irish people taking overseas trips fell almost 2% compared with the corresponding period in 2010.

Britain remains the number one source of visitors to Ireland, with the number increasing by 8.8% to 791,200.

Tourism Minister& Leo Varadkar welcomed the figures, saying the industry continues to show signs of recovery.

“Developments in the British market are particularly significant, as this is our largest source market,” he said. “Market conditions are still challenging and we must work harder than ever to get the message out that Ireland represents value for money.”

The volume of visitors from European countries and North America both increased 9.3% to 679,100 and 368,100 respectively.

Niall Gibbons, the chief executive of Tourism Ireland, said the figures represent a return to growth in overseas tourism.

“Industry sentiment, while still mixed, generally reflects this more positive picture although the distribution of visitors is somewhat uneven and some areas have performed better than others,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dublin is set to host its first ever Bollywood blockbuster.

Ek Tha Tiger features two of India’s most successful actors, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. It is to be released in 24 countries, to an audience of more than 100m.

Tourism Ireland hopes it will boost awareness of Ireland among India’s growing middle classes.