10% rise in south-west tourism due to US visitors

The return of American visitors is giving a significant shot in the arm to tourism in the south-west, with trade reported to be up by about 10%.

Some people in the industry, including Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce president Johnny McGuire, believe the increase could be a spin-off from The Gathering, which helped draw many additional US visitors last year.

He also said the reduction in Vat for the tourism sector from 13.5% to 9% was not only helping the industry, but also creating thousands of jobs.