A welcome boost - Ireland’s thriving tourism

WHEN Fáilte Ireland first began to rebrand the country as a tourist destination, some in the hospitality industry were fearful that it could backfire.

But the development of The Wild Atlantic Way, in the west, Ireland’s Ancient East, and the new Dublin brand are more than proving their worth.

Central Statistics Office figures show that the number of visitors coming to Ireland rose by 16.6% in the first three months of the year.

Trips made here increased from 1.531m, in the first quarter of last year, to 1.785m, in the same period this year.

That’s the good news. The even better news is that visitors are staying longer and spending more. The amount of money spent by visitors increased by 18.7%, rising from €780m to €926m.

Better air access and currency movements by the US dollar and other currencies in Ireland’s favour have played their part, but credit must go to Fáilte Ireland for this success story.