Tourism Gets A Boost In Ireland

New tourism figures from the Central Statistics Office showing the first increase in three years of overseas visitors to Ireland have been warmly welcomed by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar.

The figures show overseas visitors to Ireland in the first three months of 2011 increased by 8.6% compared to the same period in 2010. This is the first increase in these CSO figures since July 2008.

"These figures show the first early signs of recovery in Ireland's vital tourism industry. The continued growth in the figures for North America in particular, ... is evidence that this market remains crucial in terms of revenues generated for Ireland.

"I'm confident that growth will continue for the rest of the year. The last two weeks have seen the highly successful visits of Queen Elizabeth II and US President Barack Obama.

"I don't think anything could compare with the positive images of Ireland broadcast around the world in recent days.

"I understand well over 11,000 articles have already appeared in print and online media across the globe."

Minister Varadkar said tourism is key to economic recovery, and highlighted the measures in the Government's Jobs Initiative aimed specifically at promoting the industry, including:

• The three-pronged strategy to encourage carriers to restore access: removing the Air Travel Tax, airport charges, and a targeted cooperative marketing to drive businesses on new routes from key tourism source markets;
• Cutting VAT from 13.5% to 9% on the costs of certain services, many of which relate to the tourism industry, including restaurant and catering services, accommodation and admission charges to tourist attractions, entertainment and sports venues;
• A Visa Waiver Programme to be introduced on a pilot basis from July 2011 to October 2012 for certain short-stay tourists.

Joe Byrne, Executive VP, United States and Canada at Tourism Ireland said, "2011 is an especially exciting year for tourism on the island of Ireland.

"Not only have we had the opportunity to showcase Irish hospitality at its best to a worldwide audience, during the recent Queen Elizabeth II and US President's state visits, but a number of other great events will also be taking place such as the centenary of the launch of Titanic in Belfast, the celebrations in Dublin marking its recent honouring as a UNESCO city of literature and, of course, the Solheim Cup at the Killeen Castle in Co Meath."