Travel and tourism worth €1.5bn a year

Business conducted by Irish travel agents is worth €1.5bn annually to the economy, according to Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe.

Speaking at the annual Irish Travel Industry awards, Mr Donohoe said he was very much aware of the importance of the industry to Ireland.

“Looking at the numbers, the value of business conducted in Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) members’ offices amounts to a staggering €1.5bn every year and the trade employs 5,500 people throughout our country,” he told the attendees at Dublin’s Mansion House.