1.3m Irish tourists expected in Spain this year

More than 1m Irish sun-seekers will visit Spain this year, despite being all but pauperised by the recession and increased taxation.

Tens of thousands will visit the Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, more than even British visitors and third in number to German and Italian tourists.

Well heeled or not, they will — as always — be more than welcome, says Gonzalo Ceballos, director of the Spanish Tourism office in Dublin who yesterday launched a three-city roadshow for travel agents.