CSO figures published today confirm strong growth in revenue figures from overseas visitors for the first six months of the year. The Tourism and Travel statistics from the CSO show that spending in Ireland by overseas visitors (excluding fares) for the first half of 2016 rose by 9.5% compared with the same period in 2015. The data also shows that the number of trips to Ireland in the key target market of holidaymakers rose by 13.1% for January to June of 2016 when compared with the same period in 2015.
Commenting on the figures, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D. stated: “I am greatly encouraged by the continued growth in overseas revenue, which increased by 9.5% to €1.954 billion in the period between January and June of this year. Despite concerns that it would be difficult to grow on the results achieved in 2015, todays data shows that the positive momentum has been maintained. Another positive from today's publication is that the number of visitors to Ireland citing "Holidays/Leisure/Recreation" as their reason for visiting was up by 13.1% compared to the first half of 2015. We are not resting on our laurels however, and next week I will be launching Tourism Ireland’s Autumn/Winter overseas marketing campaign which should ensure that the strong performance continues right up to the end of 2016.”
In terms of the spend associated with overseas visits, the figures confirm that all of Ireland’s main markets grew strongly in the first half of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015:
• Revenue associated with visitors from Great Britain grew by 13.1%
• Revenue associated with visitors from North America grew by 7.6%
• Revenue associated with visitors from Mainland Europe grew by 7.2%
• Revenue associated with visitors from New and Developing Markets (long haul) grew by 14.4%
The Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D. added that “This year looks like marking the sixth successive year of growth for tourism which is fantastic news for everybody in Ireland’s tourism sector. Tourism is an essential driver of economic growth and today’s data shows just how much overseas tourism is contributing. Fortunately, the strong performance means that tourism is also contributing to job creation. The Quarterly National Household Survey, released by the CSO last week, revealed that the number employed in the “Accommodation & Food Service Activities” sector for Q-2 2016 was up 6.7% when compared with the same period in 2015 which is excellent news for communities right across the country.”
Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Today’s CSO figures are really strong, confirming that revenue from overseas visitors to Ireland grew by +9% in the first six months of 2016, to €1.95 billion – an additional €165 million for the Irish economy compared with H1 in 2015. Total overseas visitors grew by +11%, to 3.9 million – almost 400,000 additional visitors. Holiday visitors grew by +12%; and revenue from holidaymakers grew by +9%. This was an excellent first half performance and reflects the sentiment we are hearing from our tourism industry partners, overseas and here at home. We are determined to ensure that tourism growth continues. Next week, we will launch our extensive autumn campaign – aimed at boosting late-season travel from around the globe, reminding prospective visitors everywhere that there has never been a better time to come and discover the island of Ireland.”
Shaun Quinn, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, welcomed today’s figures and emphasised: “These figures confirm that the tourism sector has stepped up to the mark and is playing its part in the national recovery – particularly in terms of increased earnings and employment. However, these levels of growth cannot be taken for granted. In an unpredictable world, we can only guarantee sustainable growth by maintaining our competitiveness and further developing our appeal. Fáilte Ireland – through new brands such as the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient east – is playing its part to boost our overseas appeal but the industry must also do all in its power to ensure that the sector remains competitive and attractive to potential international visitors.”