Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD has today (Tuesday) noted the latest official data on overseas travel from the Central Statistics Office, which has reported an increase of nearly 13% in overseas visits to Ireland for the first half of 2011.
"Clearly comparisons with the first half of 2010 are distorted by the impact of severe weather and the volcanic ash on travel between March and May last year. Nonetheless, today’s figures confirm indications on the ground that overseas travel to Ireland is moving into recovery. The Government will continue to prioritise tourism as a key industry in Ireland’s economic recovery, utilising the measures contained in our Jobs Initiative."
Visits from North America increased by 15% and from Great Britain by 7.9% compared to the first half of 2010. Notably, visits from other long-haul markets increased by 17.4% while visits from Europe other than Britain increased by 17.6%. This contrasts with a fall in Irish trips overseas of 2.3% for the first half of 2011. "I am particularly pleased to see that numbers from North America and from other long-haul markets are almost back to 2008 levels," Minister Varadkar added.
By comparison Britain’s own tourism market, which was similarly affected by the volcanic ash in 2010, saw lower growth with visits to the UK up by only 6% overall for January-June 2011.
Indications of recovery are supported by data from private sector surveys, such as the STR Global report recently highlighted by Deloitte showing Dublin hotel occupancy rates up 9.9%.
"While the figures are a positive indication, we cannot afford to be complacent. With continuing economic uncertainty in most of our key overseas markets, the tourism agencies and the industry will continue to work together to restore sustainable growth to this vital sector. The Government is playing its part through measures such as the VAT cut, reduced employers’ PRSI, and the visa waiver scheme, to support competitiveness as well as key investments to upgrade our tourism products and attractions."
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD welcomed the positive signs from the overseas travel statistics. "Even though overseas visits to Ireland continue to grow, Irish people are no longer travelling abroad as much as they used to. This shows that Irish people, as well as overseas visitors, are rediscovering what makes Ireland special as a place to go on holiday. Once again Ireland is offering real value, world-class quality and genuine hospitality.
"As we move out of the peak season there are still lots of opportunities to sample the many attractions of an Irish break. The next few months see some of our most exciting festivals and events including the Dublin Festival Season, Cork Jazz and of course the Solheim Cup, which will bring the world’s top women golfers to Killeen Castle next month."