Visitor Numbers To Ireland Fall In May

Overseas visits to Ireland fell by 18.4% to 657,500 in May 2009 compared to the same month in 2008.

Visits by residents of the two main visitor markets declined substantially, Great Britain was down 22.8% to 306,400 and visitors from other European countries fell by almost 20% to 219,300.

Irish residents made just over 610,000 overseas trips in May 2009, almost 10% less than in May 2008.

In the first five months of 2009, overseas trips, at 2,729,400, were 10.4% less than in the same period in 2008. Visits from abroad fell by 9.6% to 2,667,500.

In response to the new figures from the Central Statistics Office, the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Martin Cullen T.D., said that tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are working closely with the tourism and hospitality industry to maximize every bit of tourism business available and the message is being put out in both overseas markets and at home that Ireland offers a high quality experience and great value for money.

"There is no doubt that tourism worldwide has been deeply affected by global economic difficulties and that 2009 was always going to be a challenging year for Irish tourism," he said. "I am conscious of the demands this brings to the Irish hospitality and tourism sector and I want to support the huge efforts the industry is making with pro active marketing of special offer packages and special deals.

"All tourism destinations have been affected by the downturn and, in fact, Ireland has fared well so far this year when compared to other competitors in Europe.

"It should be noted that we still welcomed almost 2.7 million visitors in the first five months of this year alone, bringing corresponding benefits in terms of exports and employment to the Irish economy. Millions of people will still take holidays this year and we will continue to do everything possible to win our share of the market.

"On the home front, Fáilte Ireland has committed to its largest ever campaign to promote home holidays in 2009, on foot of research indicating that more Irish people will consider swapping their overseas trips for breaks in Ireland.

"Tourism Ireland is fighting hard abroad promoting value for money offers. It has increased its investment in tactical marketing to support the tourism industry and to drive home to overseas consumers the superb range of offers available throughout the island of Ireland."