/sites/default/files/upload/ihf_failte_ireland_supports_aug_2023.pdfHOTELIERS WELCOME CONTINUED GROWTH IN OVERSEAS VISITORS

Figures demonstrate continued momentum for tourism in 2015

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today welcomed the 14.1% increase in overseas visitors to Ireland for the first three months of the year (link to CSO figures). Stephen McNally, President of the IHF, said that the figures indicate a continued, strong momentum behind overseas visitors building on last year’s performance. The outlook for Irish tourism is very positive as the summer season approaches, contributing to increased optimism across the hotel and guesthouse sector.

“It is particularly encouraging to see strong growth continuing a pace from North America, Britain and the rest of Europe – which are vital overseas markets for Irish tourism,” states Mr McNally. “This is being underpinned by targeted marketing initiatives from Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland as well as a number of pro-tourism initiatives from the Government that continue to assist in attracting overseas visitors.”

“Our industry has significantly upped its game on the marketing front in recent years and is now achieving strong cut through in reinvigorating our tourism brand and Ireland’s image as a holiday destination,” says Mr McNally. “We have, without doubt, become more imaginative in developing our tourism product and in giving holidaymakers new and compelling reasons to visit – for example the Wild Atlantic Way and the recently launched Ancient East trail. This is vital to the long-term success of our tourism product.”

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