Confidence in tourism sector at six-year high

Cork tourism is expected to receive a significant boost as a result of the Gathering this year, as confidence in the Irish tourism industry is at its highest since 2007.

Speaking in Cork at Fáilte Ireland’s annual tourism briefing for the south-west region, chief executive Shaun Quinn said renewed optimism within the industry was helped by growth in some overseas markets last year, for the first time since the downturn in 2008, particularly among visitors from the US, Germany, and France.

Mr Quinn stressed that targeted changes will need to be affected in Britain, our nearest and biggest overseas market.

“Looking back to the darkest days of 2009 and 2010, it is clear as we begin 2013 that we are entering a new phase of our recovery. Moving from mere survival, tourism businesses are now consolidating and looking everywhere they can for growth opportunities,” he said

“The south-west region has great appeal, an innovative tourism industry, and a good local Fáilte Ireland team. I believe that, with the promise of the Gathering to come, this could be a pivotal year for local tourism.”

Fiona Buckley, head of operations for Fáilte Ireland in the south-west, pointed to major progress in 2012 which she hopes can be built upon. She cited events such as the Gathering, the Wild Atlantic Way, the Cultural Cork Project, the Cork City and Harbour Story, as well as numerous festivals and events.

More than 60 businesses from the region were provided with the opportunity to meet with overseas tour operators and group organisers, with a view to negotiating business for the future at various workshops throughout the country, while in excess of 140 international journalists and media visited the Cork area in 2012.

Ms Buckley stressed that the Gathering would be Fáilte Ireland’s top priority this year, claiming it is the single most important tourism initiative in the history of the State.

She also emphasised that Fáilte Ireland would be working with Tourism Ireland and tourism industry leaders to revamp and reinvigorate the region’s sales pitch to the British market.

“As is clear from tourism’s 2012 performance, Britain remains challenged and the home market is levelling off. Any immediate growth for the industry is best assured by focusing on our traditional key markets in North America and Europe — the markets which show the greatest potential for bringing real recovery to the tourism sector,” Ms Buckley said.

“In the year ahead, we will be working with tourism businesses throughout the region to ensure that we identify the best prospects for growth and that we sell smarter to achieve the growth in overseas visitors which the south-west region needs,” she said.