Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Last year was a record year for Irish tourism with an all-time high of 7.7 million overseas visitors to the country and associated foreign revenue earnings of €4.7 billion. We are on track to surpass that performance this year, with the most recent figures published by the CSO showing an increase of more than 4% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2006.

I understand, from media reports, that Aer Lingus has announced its intention to redeploy all its long-haul capacity to the United States, resulting in the suspension of the Dubai service from the end of March 2008. According to Aer Lingus, this decision is due to the significant demand for both existing and new United States destinations in the busy summer season. While the final tourism impact is uncertain at this stage, it is reasonable to assume that it may impact negatively on potential growth from new and developing markets such as the Gulf, India and China, while possibly impacting positively on the United States market. If there is a sustained higher load factor from the United States than from the Gulf, the net impact on tourism flows to Ireland may well be positive.

On the other hand, the introduction of direct services between Abu Dhabi and Dublin by Etihad Airways presents fresh opportunities to grow inbound tourism to the island of Ireland from long-haul markets. I understand, from previous statements made by the airline, that Etihad may shortly increase frequency on its Dublin service and, in 2008, add services to China to its network. The latter would be beneficial in terms of connecting flights for potential visitors to Ireland from the Chinese market.

Tourism Ireland has increased its marketing activity in the Gulf countries with the appointment of full-time representation in July 2007 and will now work to capitalise on the improved awareness of Ireland in the market.

See this speech in context