The Gathering Continues To Draw Visitors To Ireland

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring has welcomed the latest figures from Ireland's Central Statistics Office that show that the number of visitors to Ireland from overseas are up 2.6% overall for the December to February period on the same three months the year before. 

Speaking after the figures were announced, he said: "These latest figures show the positive start to the year of the Gathering Ireland 2013 in January is being sustained.

"I am particularly pleased with the strong numbers from North America, Australia and New Zealand.

"These are two key markets for the Gathering which clearly already playing its part for tourism.

"These figures indicate that the most important measure, tourism revenue, has every prospect of continuing to recover well in 2013.

"There are also signs that this could be a record year for business from North America.

"Britain continues to be challenging but I believe the industry and the tourism agencies can use the fantastic line-up of events in The Gathering to make the most of the opportunities for Ireland in that market, as highlighted in the recommendations of the Tourism Recovery Taskforce. "

We can see already saw how the very successful New Year's Eve Event in Dublin alone had 43,000 attendees with one-third of those from outside Ireland.

"But it is important to put it in perspective. Official data shows each trip from Britain generates less than €300 here, while a visit from North America generates over twice that at €729 and trips from Australia generate €858."

Comparing the three-month period from December 2012 to February 2013 with the same period in the previous year:

• Trips to Ireland were up by 2.6 % to 1,176,100 overseas visits;
• Visits from Mainland Europe were up by 5.7 % (393,400 visits) with the Nordic countries up over 30%;
• The number of visitors from North America grew by 9.9 % (141,600 visits);
• However the number of visits from Britain were down by 2.4 % (563,500 visits);
• Other (i.e. long-haul) markets were up by 15.3% increase (77,700 visits).

"Along with well-established events and festivals, the Government is supporting specially targeted events for the Gathering, such as The People's Parade of this year's St Patrick's Festival," Mr Ring continued.

"This was a great success with almost 6,000 people from overseas joining the parade. 

"Now that we can see how the potential benefits are already being realized, I call on everyone in Ireland to row in behind the Gathering Ireland 2013, bring in visitors and make them want to return."