The Gathering hailed a success as tourist numbers increase by 291k

The Gathering tourism initiative is hailing its success at the Global Irish Economic Forum, claiming that routist numbers have increased by 291,000 this year so far.

The Gathering tourism initiative is hailing its success at the Global Irish Economic Forum, claiming that tourist numbers have increased by 291,000 this year so far.

The announcement was made at the forum, where the initiative was born two years ago, and the increase covers the period up to the end of August.

5,000 gathering events were organised and the Minister for Tourism, Leo Varadkar, said he is confident the target of 325,000 extra visitors will be met.

He also said the initiative may not be repeated for 10 years.

"We always said [it was] a once-in-a-generation opportunity, so I think it would be wrong to repeat it again too soon.

"I think we will do it again in seven years' time, maybe in ten years' time … but a lot will happen between now and then."

Varadkar said the focus for next year was on different projects focusing on outdoor activities.